As the calendar inches towards December, homes, churches, and hearts begin to prepare for a season of waiting and reflection. Advent, the period leading up to Christmas, is marked by anticipation and hope, symbolized by the lighting of candles on an Advent wreath. These candles, often seen glowing softly in churches and homes alike, each carry profound significance. Among them, the purple candles stand out, not only for their rich hue but for the deep meanings they convey.
But what exactly do these purple candles represent? How do they connect to the broader themes of Advent, and why has this tradition stood the test of time? Whether you’re new to Advent or looking to deepen your understanding, this article will take you on a journey through the symbolism, history, and spiritual importance of the purple candles in Advent.
What Is Advent? A Season of Anticipation
Before diving into the meaning of the purple candles, it’s essential to understand what Advent itself signifies. Advent, derived from the Latin word adventus, meaning “coming,” is a season observed by Christians around the world. It begins on the fourth Sunday before Christmas and marks a time of expectant waiting and preparation for the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ.
Advent is a time of both reflection and anticipation, a duality that is mirrored in the symbols and rituals of the season. The Advent wreath, with its four candles, is central to this observance. Each candle represents a different aspect of the spiritual journey leading up to Christmas, with three of these candles traditionally being purple.
The Advent Wreath: A Circle of Light
The Advent wreath itself is rich in symbolism. Traditionally made of evergreen branches, the circular shape of the wreath represents eternity and the unending love of God. As each candle is lit over the course of four weeks, the growing light signifies the approach of the “Light of the World,” Jesus Christ.
Each candle on the Advent wreath has its own specific meaning, tied to the themes of the Advent season. While the colors may vary slightly between different Christian denominations, the most common arrangement includes three purple candles and one pink candle, with a fifth white candle sometimes added in the center to be lit on Christmas Day.
The Meaning of Purple: A Color of Penitence and Preparation
Purple has long been associated with both royalty and penitence in Christian tradition. In the context of Advent, the purple candles symbolize a period of preparation and repentance. This is a time to ready our hearts for the coming of Christ, both in his birth over two thousand years ago and in his promised second coming.
The use of purple during Advent is not a random choice. Historically, purple dye was expensive and difficult to produce, making it a color reserved for royalty and the wealthy. In the Church, this regal color became associated with the sovereignty of Christ, the King of Kings. However, it also took on a penitential tone, symbolizing the somber reflection and repentance that are part of the Advent season.
The First Purple Candle: The Candle of Hope
The first purple candle, lit on the first Sunday of Advent, is often called the “Prophecy Candle” or the “Candle of Hope.” This candle serves as a reminder of the hope that the prophets of the Old Testament had in the coming of the Messiah. For Christians today, it also symbolizes the hope we have in the promises of God, both those already fulfilled and those yet to come.
Hope is a central theme in the Christian faith. During Advent, the lighting of the first purple candle invites believers to reflect on the hope that sustained God’s people throughout centuries of waiting. This hope is not just a passive wish, but an active trust in God’s faithfulness and the assurance that He will fulfill His promises.
As this candle burns, it encourages us to hold on to hope, even in the face of uncertainty and darkness. It is a call to remember that God’s light is coming into the world, and that His promises are sure.
The Second Purple Candle: The Candle of Peace
The second purple candle, often called the “Bethlehem Candle” or the “Candle of Peace,” is lit on the second Sunday of Advent. This candle represents the peace that Christ brings into our lives and into the world. It is a peace that surpasses all understanding, rooted in the knowledge that God is with us, even in the midst of turmoil and strife.
The lighting of the second purple candle is a reminder of the peace that was promised by the angels to the shepherds 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).
In a world often filled with conflict and division, the peace of Christ is a powerful and countercultural message. The second purple candle invites us to cultivate peace in our hearts and to be instruments of God’s peace in the world around us. It is a call to reconciliation, both with God and with our neighbors.
The Third Candle: The Candle of Joy (A Splash of Pink)
The third candle on the Advent wreath breaks the pattern of purple. This candle, typically pink, is known as the “Shepherd’s Candle” or the “Candle of Joy.” It is lit on the third Sunday of Advent, also known as Gaudete Sunday, from the Latin word meaning “rejoice.”
This shift from purple to pink marks a moment of celebration within the penitential season. It reminds us of the joy that comes from the arrival of Christ and the joy that is ours in knowing Him. The pink candle symbolizes the joy of the shepherds, who were the first to hear the good news of Christ’s birth and to share it with others.
While this article focuses on the purple candles, it is important to note how the pink candle complements them, highlighting the joy that is intertwined with the hope and peace represented by the purple candles.
The Fourth Purple Candle: The Candle of Love
The fourth purple candle, often called the “Angel’s Candle” or the “Candle of Love,” is lit on the fourth Sunday of Advent. This candle represents the love that God has for us, which is the very reason for the birth of Christ. It is a love that is unconditional, sacrificial, and transformative.
The lighting of the fourth purple candle is a reminder of the great love that God showed in sending His Son into the world. It is also a call for us to respond to that love by loving others. As the Apostle John wrote, “We love because he first loved us” (1 John 4:19).
During Advent, this candle challenges us to reflect on the ways we can embody God’s love in our daily lives. It invites us to consider how we can be more loving in our relationships, more compassionate in our interactions, and more generous in our giving.
The Fifth Candle: The Christ Candle
In some traditions, a fifth white candle, known as the “Christ Candle,” is placed in the center of the Advent wreath and is lit on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day. This candle represents the culmination of the Advent season—the birth of Jesus Christ, the Light of the World.
The Christ Candle serves as a reminder that all the hopes, peace, joy, and love symbolized by the other candles find their fulfillment in Jesus. It is a celebration of the fact that the long-awaited Savior has come, and that His light continues to shine in the darkness.
The Spiritual Journey of Advent: From Darkness to Light
The lighting of the Advent candles, particularly the purple ones, takes us on a spiritual journey from darkness to light. Each week, as another candle is lit, the light grows stronger, symbolizing the increasing closeness of Christ’s coming. This progression reflects the growing anticipation and readiness in our hearts as we prepare to celebrate the birth of Jesus.
The purple candles guide us through this journey, reminding us of the importance of hope, peace, and love in our walk with God. They call us to a deeper reflection on the true meaning of Christmas, encouraging us to move beyond the commercial and cultural aspects of the season and to focus on the spiritual.
A Tradition Rooted in History and Faith
The tradition of the Advent wreath and its candles dates back to the 16th century, with origins in both Catholic and Lutheran practices. Over the centuries, this tradition has evolved and been embraced by various Christian denominations, each adding their own nuances to the observance.
The use of purple candles in Advent has remained a consistent practice, rooted in the Church’s liturgical traditions. This color, with its rich symbolism of penitence and royalty, connects believers to a long history of faith and worship.
In our modern context, the lighting of the purple candles can serve as a powerful reminder of the continuity of the Christian faith. It connects us to the believers who have gone before us, to the global Church today, and to the future generations who will continue to light these candles in their own observance of Advent.
see also: Advent Bible Study: Exploring the Meaning & Practice
Conclusion: The Enduring Power of the Purple Candle
The purple candles of Advent are much more than mere decoration; they are a profound symbol of the spiritual journey that Christians undertake each year in preparation for Christmas. As they burn, they illuminate not only our homes but also our hearts, guiding us towards a deeper understanding of the hope, peace, and love that Christ brings into our lives.
In the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, it can be easy to lose sight of the true meaning of Advent. But as we pause to light the purple candles each week, we are reminded of the greater purpose behind our preparations. We are reminded that Christmas is not just about the gifts we give and receive, but about the greatest gift of all—Jesus Christ.