The Advent wreath is a cherished tradition in many Christian households, symbolizing the anticipation and preparation for the celebration of Christmas. Each week during Advent, a candle is lit, representing hope, peace, joy, and love. This article will provide a detailed exploration of the Advent wreath, including its significance, the order in which the candles are lit, and the meanings behind each candle.
Understanding the Advent Season
Advent is a liturgical season that spans four weeks leading up to Christmas. It begins on the fourth Sunday before Christmas and concludes on Christmas Eve. The word “Advent” comes from the Latin “adventus,” meaning “coming.” This period is marked by a spirit of expectation and preparation for the coming of Jesus Christ into the world.
During Advent, many Christians use an Advent wreath as a focal point for their spiritual practices. The wreath is typically made of evergreen branches, symbolizing eternal life, and holds four candles—three purple (or blue) and one pink (rose). Some wreaths also include a fifth white candle in the center, known as the Christ candle, which is lit on Christmas Day.
The Symbolism of the Advent Wreath
The Advent wreath serves multiple symbolic purposes:
Evergreen Circle: The circular shape of the wreath represents God’s eternal nature—without beginning or end. The evergreen foliage symbolizes everlasting life and hope.
Candles: Each candle represents a week of Advent and has its own specific meaning related to the themes of hope, peace, joy, and love. The colors of the candles also carry significance; purple symbolizes royalty and penance, while pink represents joy.
Order of Lighting the Advent Candles
The order in which the candles are lit is crucial to understanding the themes of each week in Advent. The traditional order is as follows:
First Candle (Purple): Hope
Meaning: This candle is often referred to as the “Prophecy Candle.” It symbolizes hope and expectation for Christ’s coming. It reminds us of God’s promises fulfilled through Jesus.
Lighting: Light this candle on the first Sunday of Advent and continue to light it each evening throughout that week.
Second Candle (Purple): Peace
Meaning: Known as the “Bethlehem Candle,” this candle represents peace. It reflects on Mary and Joseph’s journey to Bethlehem and reminds us of the peace that Christ brings.
Lighting: On the second Sunday of Advent, light both this candle and the first candle.
Third Candle (Pink): Joy
Meaning: The pink candle is called the “Shepherd’s Candle” and symbolizes joy. It marks a shift in focus from penitence to celebration as we approach Christmas.
Lighting: Light this candle on the third Sunday of Advent along with the first two candles.
Fourth Candle (Purple): Love
Meaning: This final purple candle is known as the “Angel’s Candle” and represents love. It emphasizes God’s love for humanity through Jesus’ birth.
Lighting: On the fourth Sunday of Advent, light all four candles together.
Christ Candle (White):
Meaning: If included, this white candle represents Christ himself—the light of the world. It is lit on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day.
Lighting: Light this candle to celebrate Christ’s birth.
Detailed Exploration of Each Candle
1. First Candle: Hope
The first candle symbolizes hope and is often referred to as the Prophecy Candle. This week focuses on anticipating Christ’s arrival and reflects on biblical prophecies concerning His coming. Scriptures such as Isaiah 9:2 remind us that “the people who walked in darkness have seen a great light.” Lighting this candle encourages believers to hold onto hope in God’s promises.
2. Second Candle: Peace
The second candle represents peace and is known as the Bethlehem Candle. This week centers on Mary and Joseph’s journey to Bethlehem for Jesus’ birth. It serves as a reminder that true peace comes from God. Passages like Luke 2:14 proclaim “peace on earth,” highlighting the significance of Jesus’ birth in restoring peace between God and humanity.
3. Third Candle: Joy
The third candle signifies joy and is called the Shepherd’s Candle. This week encourages believers to rejoice in God’s goodness as they prepare for Christ’s arrival. The lighting of this pink candle signifies a shift from solemnity to celebration, reflecting passages like Luke 2:10-11 where angels announce great joy at Jesus’ birth.
4. Fourth Candle: Love
The fourth candle embodies love and is referred to as the Angel’s Candle. This week focuses on God’s profound love for humanity demonstrated through Jesus’ incarnation. Scriptures such as John 3:16 remind us that “God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son.” Lighting this candle emphasizes our call to love others as we await Christ’s coming.
5. Christ Candle
The white Christ candle symbolizes Jesus Himself—the light come into our world at Christmas. Its lighting signifies fulfillment—the culmination of our waiting during Advent. As it shines brightly in the center of the wreath, it represents hope fulfilled through Christ’s birth.
How to Use Your Advent Wreath
To effectively use your Advent wreath during this season:
Begin lighting your candles on each respective Sunday during Advent.
Incorporate prayers or readings that align with each week’s theme.
Consider gathering with family or friends for evening prayers around your wreath.
Reflect on how each theme relates to your life and faith journey.
On Christmas Eve or Day, light your Christ candle to celebrate Jesus’ birth.
Conclusion
The tradition of lighting an Advent wreath serves as a powerful reminder of hope, peace, joy, and love during this sacred season leading up to Christmas. Each candle lit weekly helps believers reflect on their faith while preparing their hearts for celebrating Jesus’ arrival into our world.
By following this order—lighting one new candle each week—families can engage in meaningful rituals that deepen their understanding of these themes while fostering a spirit of anticipation and joy leading up to Christmas Day. Whether through personal reflection or communal gatherings, embracing this tradition enriches one’s spiritual journey during Advent and beyond.
Related topics:
- What Is First Advent?
- The Shape of the Advent Wreath: Symbolism and Significance
- Total Consecration to Mary: A Spiritual Devotion for Transforming the Soul