The Advent season is a period of waiting, preparation, and reflection leading up to the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ. The lighting of the Advent candles has become a powerful and symbolic tradition observed in many Christian homes and churches. The second Advent candle, often referred to as the “Peace Candle,” plays a significant role in this sacred ritual. This article explores the meaning, history, and spiritual significance of the second Advent candle, delving into its place in the liturgical calendar and its deep connection to the themes of hope, peace, and the coming of Christ.
What is Advent?
Advent is the liturgical season observed by many Christian denominations, marking the four weeks before Christmas. It is a time of anticipation and preparation for the arrival of Christ. The word “Advent” comes from the Latin “adventus,” meaning “coming” or “arrival.” Advent serves as both a reflection on the first coming of Christ as a child in Bethlehem and a time of hopeful anticipation for His second coming in glory at the end of time.
Advent begins on the Sunday closest to November 30, the Feast of St. Andrew, and lasts until Christmas Eve. It is a season of prayer, penance, and joyful expectation, during which believers prepare their hearts and minds for the celebration of Jesus’ birth.
The Advent Wreath: A Symbol of Light in the Darkness
One of the most cherished traditions of the Advent season is the Advent wreath. The wreath is a circular arrangement of evergreens, symbolizing eternal life, and typically includes four candles, each representing one of the four Sundays of Advent. These candles are lit progressively as the weeks unfold, with each week focusing on a different aspect of the Christian faith.
The candles on the Advent wreath are often purple, representing penitence and royalty, though some wreaths may also include a pink candle, symbolizing joy and celebration. In the center of the wreath, a white candle may also be placed, known as the Christ Candle, to be lit on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day.
Each candle of the Advent wreath represents a particular theme. The first candle, which is typically purple, is the Prophecy Candle, symbolizing hope and expectation. The second candle, also purple, is the Bethlehem Candle, representing peace. The third candle, which is often pink, is the Shepherd’s Candle, symbolizing joy. The fourth candle, again purple, is the Angel’s Candle, representing love. The Christ Candle, which is white, represents Christ’s birth and the ultimate fulfillment of the Advent promise.
The Meaning of the Second Advent Candle: The Peace Candle
The second candle of Advent is traditionally known as the “Peace Candle.” Its theme centers around the peace that Christ brings to the world and the inner peace that believers seek in their relationship with God. It serves as a reminder of the message of peace that was proclaimed by the angels on the night of Christ’s birth: “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests” (Luke 2:14).
The Biblical Foundation of Peace
The concept of peace is central to the message of Christianity. From the very beginning of Scripture, peace is portrayed as a blessing from God. In the Old Testament, the Hebrew word “Shalom” is used to describe peace, and it carries a deeper meaning than merely the absence of conflict. Shalom refers to wholeness, completeness, and the fullness of God’s blessing. It encompasses well-being, harmony, and reconciliation.
In the New Testament, Jesus is often referred to as the “Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6), and His teachings frequently emphasize the importance of peace. Jesus’ message of peace is not just a call for personal tranquility but a peace that reconciles humanity with God and with one another. Jesus’ words in the Gospel of John are particularly poignant: “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid” (John 14:27).
Through His birth, life, death, and resurrection, Jesus brings the possibility of peace to all who believe in Him. The lighting of the second Advent candle is an opportunity for believers to reflect on this peace and to pray for it to fill their lives and the world around them.
The Role of Peace in the Advent Season
The second week of Advent is a time to reflect on the peace that Christ offers, both to the individual and to the world. In the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, it can be easy to forget the deeper spiritual significance of Advent. The second Advent candle invites Christians to pause and consider the peace that surpasses all understanding, the peace that Christ brings into the world.
This peace is not merely the absence of conflict but the restoration of broken relationships. It is a peace that reconciles us to God and to one another. During Advent, Christians are called to prepare their hearts and minds to receive this peace. It is a time to seek peace with others, to forgive those who have wronged us, and to restore harmony in our relationships.
Inner Peace: A Reflection of God’s Presence
In addition to the external peace that Christ offers, the second Advent candle also reminds believers of the inner peace that comes from being in a right relationship with God. This inner peace is the fruit of the Holy Spirit, a deep and abiding sense of tranquility and assurance that comes from knowing that we are loved and accepted by God.
Inner peace is often elusive in today’s fast-paced world, where stress, anxiety, and worry can overwhelm even the most faithful. The second Advent candle serves as a symbol of hope for those seeking inner peace. It reminds us that true peace is found not in the things of this world but in the presence of God. As the Apostle Paul writes, “And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:7).
Peace in the World: A Vision of God’s Kingdom
The peace that the second Advent candle symbolizes is not just personal; it is also a vision of the peace that will one day reign over all the earth. The coming of Christ marks the beginning of God’s Kingdom, a Kingdom of justice, peace, and righteousness. Christians believe that when Christ returns, He will bring an end to all conflict, suffering, and injustice, and will establish a reign of perfect peace.
The peace that Christians celebrate during Advent is both a present reality and a future hope. It is a peace that we can experience now through our relationship with Christ, and it is a peace that will one day fill the whole earth when Christ returns in glory.
The Spiritual Practice of Lighting the Second Advent Candle
Lighting the second Advent candle is a spiritual practice that invites believers to pause, reflect, and pray. The act of lighting the candle is a visible expression of the hope and peace that Christians believe Christ brings. Each week as the candles are lit, the light grows brighter, symbolizing the growing anticipation of Christ’s coming.
As the second candle is lit, families and individuals often take a moment for quiet reflection, reading Scriptures related to peace, and offering prayers for peace in their hearts and in the world. Some may choose to meditate on the words of the angels, “Peace on earth, goodwill toward men” (Luke 2:14), and reflect on the ways in which they can be agents of peace in their communities.
Lighting the second Advent candle also encourages believers to examine their lives and consider areas where peace may be lacking—whether in relationships with others, in their inner lives, or in their relationship with God. It is a time to ask for God’s grace to restore peace and to make the necessary changes to live more peacefully.
The Peace Candle and Contemporary Life
In the midst of today’s tumultuous world, the message of peace is more relevant than ever. The second Advent candle serves as a reminder that Christ’s peace is not just a distant hope but a present reality that can transform our lives. During Advent, Christians are invited to open their hearts to this peace and to seek ways to share it with others.
As we light the second candle of Advent, we are reminded that peace begins with us. It begins in our hearts and extends to those around us. As we prepare for the coming of Christ, may the light of the second Advent candle guide us on a path of peace, both within ourselves and in the world.
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