The Advent wreath is a traditional decoration used by Christians during the season of Advent, the four weeks leading up to Christmas. The wreath holds four candles which are lit progressively each Sunday of Advent. Each candle has symbolic meaning related to the spiritual preparations for Christmas.
The 4 Candles
The four candles represent the four weeks of Advent. Each candle has a different color and meaning:
- Purple: The purple candles symbolize prayer, penance, and preparatory sacrifices.
- Purple: The first purple candle is lit on the first Sunday of Advent.
- Purple: The second purple candle is lit on the second Sunday of Advent.
- Pink: The pink candle symbolizes joy and rejoicing. It is lit on the third Sunday of Advent, Gaudete Sunday.
- Purple: The final purple candle is lit on the fourth Sunday of Advent.
Together, the progression of candle colors depicts the increasing excitement and anticipation leading up to Jesus’ birth on Christmas.
Symbolic Meanings
Here is more detail on the symbolic meaning behind each candle color:
Purple Candles
The purple candles remind Christians to prepare their hearts, minds, and lives for the coming of Christ. Purple is the traditional liturgical color for Advent, representing penance and prayer. As the color of kings and royalty, purple also symbolizes the expectation of the coming King and Messiah.
The first purple candle is lit on the first Sunday of Advent. This candle represents hope and expectation for the coming Savior. Lighting this candle starts the season of preparation for Christmas.
The second purple candle represents faith. It is lit on the second Sunday of Advent. As Christmas draws closer, this candle calls us to deepen our faith in God’s promise of redemption.
Finally, the last purple candle is lit on the fourth Sunday of Advent, the Sunday right before Christmas. This candle represents love. With Christ’s birth just around the corner, we light it to remember God’s love evident in Jesus’ incarnation.
Pink Candle
The pink candle stands out amongst the other purple candles. It represents joy and is lit on the third Sunday of Advent, also called Gaudete Sunday. Gaudete means “rejoice” in Latin. On the halfway point to Christmas, we rejoice that our Savior’s coming is near.
The lightening of the pink candle provides a visual break from the penitential purple of the other weeks. It reminds us that despite the sacrifices and preparations taking place, we have reason to rejoice in the good news of a Savior.
Order of Lighting the Candles
The Advent candles follow a set order each Sunday leading up to Christmas:
| Sunday | Candle Color | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 1st Sunday of Advent | Purple | Hope |
| 2nd Sunday of Advent | Purple | Faith |
| 3rd Sunday of Advent | Pink | Joy |
| 4th Sunday of Advent | Purple | Love |
On the first Sunday, the first purple candle is lit. On the second Sunday, the first and second purple candles are lit. On the third Sunday, the first two purple candles are relit, plus the pink candle. Finally, on the fourth Sunday, all four candles are lit together.
Each week, the lighting of an additional candle progresses the story of salvation history. The growing light symbolizes the anticipation of Christ’s birth as well as the gradual dawning of God’s grace upon the world.
Advent Wreath History
The Advent wreath developed from pre-Christian Germanic traditions of lighting candles during the dark winter months. Early Advent wreaths were made of cart or wagon wheels, representing the cyclical passage of the year.
In the Middle Ages, Christians adapted this tradition into their spiritual practices. The circular shape came to represent God’s infinite love and the eternal life found through Christ. The greens and evergreens used to decorate wreaths symbolized ongoing life and hope amid winter’s barrenness.
The modern Advent wreath as we know it emerged in the 16th century among Lutherans in Germany. However, the specific meaning behind each candle color developed later.
Initially all the Advent candles were red to represent the hope and love embodied in Christ’s sacrifice. Over time, some churches switched one candle to pink for Gaudete Sunday. The current standard configuration with three purple and one pink candle took shape in the 19th century.
Liturgical Use in Worship
Today Advent wreaths are popular centerpieces used by churches of many Christian denominations. The lighting of the candles often occurs at the start of Advent services.
Each Sunday, a Scripture passage relating to that week’s Advent theme is read aloud. Prayers and hymns accompany the progressive lighting of candles. Some churches even organize candle-lighting ceremonies for each household’s own Advent wreath.
Beyond church, many Christians now display Advent wreaths in their homes. The wreath provides a visual tool for counting down the Sundays leading to Christmas. Gathering around the growing light offers families a rich sensory experience for prayer and worship during the Advent season.
Conclusion
The four candles of the Advent wreath hold rich spiritual meaning for the Advent season. The purple candles mark the prayerful preparations for Christmas, while the pink candle provides a burst of joyous hope. Lighting a new candle each Sunday tangibly represents the stages of expectation leading to Jesus’ birth.
This beautiful tradition connects Christians to the larger story of salvation history. As the wreath’s light grows, so does our hope in God’s promise of redemption found in Christ the Savior.
