The Advent season, a time of anticipation and preparation for the celebration of Christmas, is rich with traditions. Among the most prominent is the Advent wreath, adorned with four candles, each holding unique significance. Understanding the symbolism behind these candles provides a deeper appreciation for the spiritual journey of Advent. This article will explore the meanings, history, and various traditions associated with the four Advent candles.
The Advent Wreath: A Circle of Everlasting Life
Before delving into the individual candles, it’s important to understand the symbolism of the wreath itself. The circular shape represents God’s unending love and the eternal life offered through Jesus Christ. The evergreen boughs symbolize hope and the promise of new life, even in the midst of winter’s darkness. The wreath’s enduring greenery is a reminder that Christ’s love remains constant throughout the year.
Often, the wreath is decorated with holly and berries, representing the crown of thorns worn by Jesus and the drops of blood He shed. These elements connect the themes of preparation for Christ’s birth with the ultimate sacrifice He would make.
Exploring the Meaning of Each Advent Candle
Each of the four candles in the Advent wreath carries a specific theme, illuminated week by week, as we draw closer to Christmas Day. These themes are traditionally Hope, Peace, Joy, and Love.
The First Candle: Hope (Prophecy Candle)
The first candle, typically purple, is often called the Prophecy Candle or the Candle of Hope. It represents the hope that the people of Israel held for the coming Messiah. Throughout the Old Testament, prophets foretold the birth of a savior who would redeem humanity. This candle reminds us to look forward with hope and anticipation to the fulfillment of God’s promises.
This candle is a beacon in the darkness, reminding us that even in the darkest of times, hope remains. It encourages us to reflect on the prophecies of the Old Testament and their fulfillment in Jesus Christ. Hope is a powerful force that sustains us during challenging times, and this candle serves as a visual reminder of that strength. It’s a call to remember the promises of God and to trust in His plan for our lives.
The Second Candle: Peace (Bethlehem Candle)
Also usually purple, the second candle is known as the Bethlehem Candle or the Candle of Peace. It represents the peace that Jesus brings to the world. The angels announced “peace on earth, goodwill to men” at His birth. This peace is not merely the absence of conflict but a deeper, more profound harmony within ourselves and with God. It is a peace that surpasses all understanding, a gift offered to all who believe.
This candle is a reminder to seek peace in our lives and to be instruments of peace in the world. It invites us to reflect on the ways we can promote peace in our relationships, communities, and the world at large. Lighting this candle is a call to pray for peace and to actively work towards a more just and harmonious world. Reflect on how you can be a vessel of peace in your daily interactions.
The Third Candle: Joy (Shepherds’ Candle)
The third candle is traditionally rose or pink and is called the Shepherds’ Candle or the Candle of Joy. It represents the joy that the shepherds experienced when they heard the good news of Jesus’ birth. The pink color symbolizes a shift in tone as we move closer to Christmas, highlighting the increasing anticipation and celebration.
The joy represented by this candle is not superficial happiness but a deep-seated, abiding joy that comes from knowing God’s love. It is a joy that transcends circumstances and fills our hearts with gratitude and contentment. This candle encourages us to embrace the joy of the season and to share it with others. Consider ways to spread joy to those around you, whether through acts of kindness, words of encouragement, or simply a smile.
The lighting of the pink candle signals a midway point in Advent and a quickening pace as Christmas draws ever closer. It is a time to focus on the good things in our lives and to be thankful for the blessings we have received.
The Fourth Candle: Love (Angel’s Candle)
The fourth candle, again typically purple, is known as the Angel’s Candle or the Candle of Love. It represents the love that God has for humanity, embodied in the gift of His Son, Jesus Christ. This candle symbolizes the greatest love of all, the selfless love that motivates sacrifice and redemption.
This candle is a profound reminder of God’s unwavering love for us. It calls us to reflect on the depth of His love and to respond with love in our own lives. This includes loving ourselves, loving our neighbors, and loving God with all our hearts. The Candle of Love reminds us that the true meaning of Christmas is rooted in God’s infinite love for humanity. It invites us to extend that love to others, especially those in need.
Reflect on ways you can show love to those around you, both near and far. Consider volunteering your time, donating to charity, or simply offering a kind word to someone who needs it.
The Christ Candle: A Symbol of Purity and Light
While not one of the four traditional Advent candles, the Christ Candle, typically white, is placed in the center of the wreath and lit on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day. It represents Jesus Christ, the Light of the world, who brings purity, hope, and salvation. The white color symbolizes His sinless nature and the new beginnings He offers.
The lighting of the Christ Candle marks the culmination of the Advent season and the celebration of Jesus’ birth. It is a time to rejoice in the fulfillment of the prophecies and the arrival of the Messiah. The light from this candle symbolizes the hope and joy that Christ brings into the world, dispelling darkness and illuminating the path to salvation. This is the ultimate culmination of the Advent journey and the focus of the Christmas celebration.
Variations in Advent Candle Traditions
While the core themes of Hope, Peace, Joy, and Love remain consistent, some variations exist in Advent candle traditions across different denominations and cultures.
Some traditions use different colors for the candles. For example, some churches may use blue instead of purple for the first, second, and fourth candles to symbolize hope, anticipation, and royalty. The color of the third candle (Joy) generally remains rose or pink.
In some families, each candle is assigned to a specific family member, who is responsible for lighting it and leading a prayer or reflection on the corresponding theme. This can be a meaningful way to involve children in the Advent season and to teach them about the significance of each candle.
Different denominations may also incorporate specific scripture readings or prayers into their Advent services that align with the themes of the candles. These variations add richness and depth to the Advent season.
The Advent Wreath and Family Traditions
The Advent wreath can be a powerful tool for fostering family traditions during the Advent season. Lighting the candles each week can become a cherished ritual, creating a sense of anticipation and excitement as Christmas approaches.
Families can use the lighting of the candles as an opportunity to read scripture, sing carols, and share stories about the meaning of Christmas. It can also be a time to reflect on the blessings in their lives and to pray for those in need.
Involving children in the creation of the Advent wreath can also be a meaningful activity. They can help gather the greenery, arrange the candles, and decorate the wreath. This allows them to actively participate in the Advent season and to learn about its significance.
Incorporating the Advent Candles into Daily Life
The symbolism of the Advent candles can be incorporated into daily life, even outside of the formal lighting ceremony. During the first week of Advent, focus on cultivating hope in your daily thoughts and actions. Practice gratitude, look for the good in every situation, and trust in God’s promises.
During the second week, strive to be a peacemaker in your relationships and communities. Seek to resolve conflicts peacefully, practice forgiveness, and treat others with respect and compassion.
During the third week, embrace joy in your daily life. Find moments to laugh, to celebrate, and to express gratitude for the blessings you have received. Share your joy with others and spread positivity wherever you go.
During the fourth week, show love to those around you in practical ways. Offer acts of kindness, express words of encouragement, and be present for those who need your support.
By intentionally incorporating the themes of the Advent candles into daily life, you can deepen your appreciation for the season and prepare your heart for the celebration of Christmas.
The Lasting Impact of the Advent Candles
The four candles of Advent, along with the Christ Candle, are more than just decorations; they are powerful symbols that can transform our hearts and minds during the Advent season. They remind us of the hope, peace, joy, and love that are found in Jesus Christ.
By reflecting on the meaning of each candle, we can prepare ourselves to receive the gift of Christmas with open hearts and renewed spirits. The Advent candles serve as a beacon of light, guiding us through the darkness and illuminating the path to salvation.
The practice of lighting the Advent candles each week offers a tangible way to engage with the spiritual preparation that Advent invites. It’s a weekly reminder to focus our attention on the true meaning of Christmas: the birth of Jesus Christ and the love He brought into the world. As we light each candle, we are reminded to cultivate hope, seek peace, embrace joy, and extend love to those around us. This intentional focus helps us to enter into the Christmas season with a heart that is open to receiving the fullness of God’s gift.
Ultimately, the Advent candles serve as a visual and spiritual guide, helping us to prepare our hearts and minds for the coming of Christ. They remind us of the true meaning of Christmas and the hope, peace, joy, and love that are found in Him. Through reflection and intentional living, we can embrace the spirit of Advent and enter into the Christmas season with renewed faith and a deeper appreciation for God’s gift of salvation.
Understanding the Significance of Color Choices
The colors used in the Advent candles are not arbitrary; they hold specific symbolic meanings that further enhance the spiritual significance of the season. While purple is the most common color for the candles representing Hope, Peace, and Love, its association with royalty, repentance, and preparation makes it particularly fitting for Advent. Purple is also often associated with penance, a reminder that we are preparing our hearts and minds for the coming of Christ.
Rose, or pink, is used for the Joy candle and symbolizes a shift in focus as we approach Christmas. It is a lighter, more celebratory color that represents the joy and anticipation that fill our hearts as we draw closer to the birth of Jesus.
White, used for the Christ Candle, symbolizes purity, innocence, and new beginnings. It represents Jesus Christ, the sinless Son of God, who came to redeem humanity and offer us eternal life. The choice of white underscores the purity and holiness of Christ and the new life He offers to all who believe.
What are the names of the four Advent candles and what do they represent?
The four Advent candles each carry significant symbolic meaning related to the anticipation of Christ’s birth. The first candle, typically purple, is the Prophecy Candle (also called Hope), representing the hope and expectation for the Messiah promised throughout the Old Testament. The second candle, also purple, is the Bethlehem Candle (also called Peace), reminding us of the peace that Christ brings to the world and the need for inner peace as we prepare for His arrival.
The third candle, often rose or pink, is the Shepherd’s Candle (also called Joy), signifying the joy that Christ’s birth brought to the shepherds and the joy we should feel as we approach Christmas. The fourth candle, purple once more, is the Angel’s Candle (also called Love), symbolizing the love of God sent to humanity through Jesus Christ and reminding us of the importance of love in our own lives.
Why are three of the Advent candles purple and one pink?
The purple color in Advent signifies royalty, repentance, and preparation, reflecting the solemnity and anticipation of the coming of Christ. Purple is traditionally associated with penance and fasting in preparation for a great feast, mirroring the spiritual preparation we undertake during the Advent season.
The pink or rose-colored candle, lit on the third Sunday of Advent (Gaudete Sunday), represents joy and a lessening of the penitential atmosphere. It’s a signal that Christmas is near, a moment of rejoicing amid the period of preparation, encouraging us to maintain our focus on Christ’s coming with hope and happiness.
In what order are the Advent candles lit each Sunday leading up to Christmas?
The Advent candles are lit sequentially, one candle each Sunday leading up to Christmas. On the first Sunday of Advent, the Prophecy Candle (Hope) is lit. On the second Sunday, the Bethlehem Candle (Peace) is lit along with the first candle.
The third Sunday, Gaudete Sunday, sees the lighting of the Shepherd’s Candle (Joy), accompanied by the first two candles. Finally, on the fourth Sunday of Advent, the Angel’s Candle (Love) is lit, completing the set and illuminating all four candles in anticipation of Christmas Day.
Is there a specific prayer or reading associated with lighting each Advent candle?
While there isn’t one universally prescribed prayer for each candle, many churches and families have developed their own traditions. Generally, the readings and prayers align with the symbolism of each candle. For example, when lighting the Prophecy Candle (Hope), scripture passages from the Old Testament prophets foretelling the Messiah’s arrival are often read.
For the Bethlehem Candle (Peace), readings about peace on earth and prayers for inner peace and reconciliation are common. The Shepherd’s Candle (Joy) is frequently accompanied by readings that emphasize joy and celebration, such as the Magnificat (Luke 1:46-55). Finally, the Angel’s Candle (Love) typically involves readings from the New Testament focusing on God’s love for humanity and prayers for compassion and service to others.
What is the origin and history of the Advent wreath?
The origins of the Advent wreath are traced back to pre-Christian Germanic traditions that used evergreen wreaths with candles during the dark winter months as a symbol of hope and light. These traditions were later Christianized, incorporating Christian symbolism and meaning.
The modern Advent wreath, as we know it, emerged in 19th-century Germany. Protestant pastor Johann Hinrich Wichern, working with impoverished children, is credited with creating a wreath with twenty-four candles (four large white ones for Sundays and twenty-small red ones for weekdays) to help the children count down the days until Christmas. Over time, the wreath simplified to the four candles we use today, representing the four weeks of Advent.
Besides candles, what other elements are common in an Advent wreath and what do they symbolize?
Besides the candles, the Advent wreath traditionally includes evergreen branches, which symbolize eternal life and God’s unending love. The circular shape of the wreath represents God’s unending nature and the eternity of life He makes possible through Jesus Christ.
The use of holly with its prickly leaves is sometimes incorporated to represent the crown of thorns worn by Jesus, and the red berries symbolize the blood He shed. Pinecones, if used, can symbolize new life and resurrection. These elements, combined with the candles, create a powerful visual representation of the themes of Advent.
Is the Advent wreath primarily a religious tradition or is it also observed in a secular context?
While rooted in Christian tradition, the Advent wreath has also found its way into secular contexts. Many non-religious families adopt the tradition of lighting the candles each week to mark the passage of time and reflect on the themes of hope, peace, joy, and love during the holiday season.
Even in secular settings, the lighting of the candles can serve as a reminder to slow down during the busy holiday season and to focus on values such as kindness, generosity, and spending quality time with loved ones. The visual and symbolic aspects of the wreath can be appreciated regardless of one’s religious beliefs, making it a meaningful tradition for a wide range of people.