Advent is a season observed in many Christian churches as a time of expectant waiting and preparation for both the celebration of the Nativity of Jesus at Christmas and the return of Jesus at the Second Coming. The Advent season lasts for four Sundays leading up to Christmas.
The History and Meaning of the Advent Wreath
The Advent wreath is a traditional decoration used by churches and families during the Advent season. It consists of a ring of greenery with four candles – three purple candles and one pink candle. The wreath and candles hold special symbolism related to the meaning and purpose behind Advent.
The circle of evergreen branches used for the Advent wreath represents eternity and the endless love of God. Evergreen leaves remain vibrant even in the midst of winter, just as God’s love never fades or dies. The circular shape is also meant to symbolize the continuous cycle of seasons and years.
The three purple candles match the color associated with the liturgical season of Advent. Purple vestments and altar cloths are traditionally used in Advent as a color of penitence and prayer. The purple candles remind us that Advent is a time of preparation, repentance, and patient waiting for the Lord. Each candle represents one of the first three Sundays of Advent.
The pink candle is lit on the third Sunday of Advent, which is called Gaudete Sunday. Gaudete means “rejoice” in Latin. On this Sunday, we celebrate that our preparation is halfway finished and the joyful celebration of Jesus’ birth is drawing closer. The pink candle represents joy breaking through the darkness and penitence of Advent.
Lighting the Candles on the Wreath
Each Sunday in Advent, the wreath candles are lit in a special ceremony prior to worship services. The first purple candle is lit on the First Sunday of Advent, and an additional candle is lit on each of the following Sundays. The order and meaning is as follows:
| 1st Sunday | 1st purple candle | Hope |
| 2nd Sunday | 2nd purple candle | Peace |
| 3rd Sunday | Pink candle | Joy |
| 4th Sunday | 3rd purple candle | Love |
On Christmas Eve or Christmas Day, the central white Christ candle is lit to represent Jesus Christ, the Light of the World.
Origins of the Advent Wreath Tradition
The exact origins of the Advent wreath are unknown, but it appears to have arisen from pre-Christian Germanic traditions. German Lutherans were among the first to adopt the wreath into worship services in the 16th century. The modern wreath with four candles evolved in the 19th century among German Lutherans and spread to other Christian denominations.
Early Advent wreaths featured 24 small red candles around a larger white candle representing Christ. Red candles were meant to symbolize the prophecies of Christ’s coming and penitence. But lighting 24 candles was impractical, so the number eventually settled on four larger candles.
Catholics began adopting the Advent wreath in the 1920s, adding the three purple and one pink candle scheme we know today. This ecumenical tradition is now observed by many Christian denominations to mark the weeks leading up to Christmas.
Family Traditions with the Advent Wreath
In many homes, the lighting of the Advent wreath is accompanied by special reflections, prayer, or song. Families may have their own traditions for using the wreath.
One common practice with children is to use the wreath as a countdown to Christmas. A simple craft is to attach cardboard numbers marking the days from 1 to 24 on the wreath. Each day, the child can flip over the numbered flap to count down how many days remain until Christmas.
Families can also incorporate Advent wreath ceremonies into mealtimes or bedtime routines. Lighting the appropriate candles and saying Advent-themed prayers is a simple way to bring the spiritual meaning of the season into the home.
Advent Wreaths in Worship Services
Churches use Advent wreaths as a central part of worship services throughout the season. The wreath is displayed in the front of the sanctuary. On each Sunday, clergy or other appointed persons light the candles in the wreath at the start of the service.
Congregations may sing songs or speak responsive readings related to the Advent wreath. Common selections include “O Come, O Come Emmanuel,” “Light One Candle,” and Isaiah 60:1-3. Some churches ring handbells or gongs to accompany the lighting.
After the wreath lighting, the pastor or worship leader often offers an Advent reflection centered on the wreath’s symbolism and meaning for that Sunday. This ties the wreath into the themes of the Scripture readings and sermon.
Variations on the Traditional Advent Wreath
Many creative variations on the traditional Advent wreath have emerged:
- Blue candles substitute for the purple to distinguish Advent from Lent.
- Gold, silver, or white candles are sometimes used instead of purple and pink.
- Seven candles are used to represent each day of the week leading to Christmas.
- Five candles are arranged in the shape of a Christmas tree, with a taller white candle in the center.
- Battery-operated candles make flameless Advent wreaths safe for hospitals, nursing homes, and other institutions.
But despite these innovations, the standard four-candle wreath remains the most widespread and recognizable Advent tradition.
Conclusion
The Advent wreath’s long history and enduring popularity across many Christian traditions attest to its power as a meaningful symbol and ritual. The wreath anchors our observance of Advent in tangible practices of waiting, preparation, joy, and hope. As the Advent candles are lit, we are reminded that the Light is coming into the world. And that Light – Jesus Christ – is surely worth waiting for.