As the holiday season approaches, many families begin to prepare for a time of joy, love, and hope. One of the most cherished traditions during the advent season is the lighting of the four candles in the advent wreath. But what do these candles symbolize, and why are they so important? Let’s take a closer look at the significance of each candle and what it represents.
The first candle on the advent wreath is often called the “hope” candle. It represents the anticipation and excitement that comes with the birth of Jesus. This candle reminds us of the promise of salvation and the hope that was instilled in God’s people. The second candle is known as the “peace” candle, and it represents the peace that Jesus brings to the world. It serves as a reminder that no matter what trials we face, there is always peace to be found in Him.
The third candle symbolizes “joy,” and it represents the joy that comes with the arrival of Jesus. It reminds us of the happiness that fills our hearts when we have faith in Him. Finally, the fourth candle is the “love” candle. It represents the love that God has for His people and the love that we should have for one another. As we light each of these candles, we are reminded of the hope, peace, joy, and love that come with the birth of Jesus and the blessings that He brings into our lives.
History of the Advent wreath
The Advent wreath is a Christian tradition that originated in Germany in the early 16th century. Advent, which means “coming” in Latin, is a time of preparation for the birth of Jesus Christ. The Advent wreath is meant to symbolize the coming of Christ, with each candle representing a different aspect of the journey towards his birth.
- The circular shape of the wreath represents God’s endless love and the eternal nature of Christ.
- The four candles on the wreath represent the four Sundays of Advent.
- The candles are usually purple or blue, with one pink or rose-colored candle for the third Sunday of Advent.
The Advent wreath has evolved over time, with different variations and meanings attached to its symbolism. For example, some wreaths have a fifth candle in the center, which is white and is lit on Christmas Day to represent the birth of Christ.
The use of the Advent wreath became widespread in the 19th and 20th centuries, particularly in European countries and the United States. Today, many Christian denominations use the Advent wreath as a part of their Advent traditions, with some variations based on their specific beliefs and practices.
Significance of the Advent wreath in Christian traditions
The Advent wreath is a cherished symbol of the Christian tradition that is typically present in churches and homes during the Advent season. This circular wreath is constructed using a variety of evergreens, and features four candles that are typically placed at equal intervals around the wreath.
- The wreath itself: The circular shape of the wreath symbolizes the eternity of God and the everlasting love He has for His people. The evergreens used to create the wreath symbolize new life and hope.
- The candles: The Advent wreath is adorned with four candles that represent the four Sundays of Advent. Each candle has a specific meaning:
- First candle: This candle, which is typically purple, represents hope and symbolizes the prophets who foretold the coming of Christ.
- Second candle: Also known as the Bethlehem candle, this purple candle represents love and symbolizes Mary and Joseph’s journey to Bethlehem.
- Third candle: This candle, which is pink or rose in color, represents joy and symbolizes the shepherds who received the good news of Christ’s birth.
- Fourth candle: This candle, which is also purple, represents peace and symbolizes the angels who proclaimed peace on earth.
As the Advent season progresses, one candle is lit each Sunday, with the final candle lit on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day.
Decorating the Advent wreath with candles is a well-established Christian tradition that is meant to inspire believers to reflect on the hope, love, joy, and peace that Christ’s birth brings to the world. By lighting a new candle each week, Christians are reminded of the path that led to Christ’s arrival and are encouraged to renew their own commitment to serve Him.
The Advent wreath in contemporary Christianity
The Advent wreath continues to be an important symbol in contemporary Christianity. Families often incorporate the Advent wreath into their Christmas traditions by lighting the candles during family devotions or meals. The wreath’s use is not limited to any one Christian denomination, which makes it an accessible and meaningful tradition for Christians of all backgrounds.
The Advent wreath around the world
The Advent wreath is a symbol of hope and love for Christians around the world, and it is celebrated in a variety of ways. In some countries, such as Germany and Austria, Advent calendars are a popular way to count down the days until Christmas. In Italy, the Advent wreath is often decorated with red ribbons, which symbolize Christ’s sacrifice.
| Country | Advent Wreath Traditions |
|---|---|
| Germany and Austria | Advent calendars |
| Italy | Decorated with red ribbons |
| Sweden | Advent wreaths made of straw |
| Philippines | Simbang Gabi, a nine-day series of Masses that include the lighting of candles on an Advent wreath |
Regardless of how it is celebrated, the Advent wreath remains a cherished symbol of the hope, love, joy, and peace that Christ brings to the world.
Origins of the four candle symbolism
The Advent wreath with four candles is a Christian tradition that originated in Germany in the 16th century. It is believed that Protestants used the wreath as a symbol of their faith and devotion during Advent, the period of four weeks leading up to Christmas. The first known Advent wreath was created in the 19th century in the Lutheran Church, but the symbolism of the four candles was not established until much later.
The four candles
- First Candle: HOPE
- Second Candle: FAITH
- Third Candle: JOY
- Fourth Candle: PEACE
The four candles of the Advent wreath represent the four weeks of Advent. Each candle has its own meaning and significance. The first candle, which is lit on the first Sunday of Advent, represents hope. The second candle represents faith and is lit on the second Sunday. The third candle, known as the “Shepherd’s Candle,” represents joy and is lit on the third Sunday. The fourth candle, which represents peace, is lit on the fourth and final Sunday of Advent.
The significance of the third candle
The third candle in the Advent wreath is known as the “Shepherd’s Candle” and represents joy. It is traditionally pink or rose-colored and is lit on the third Sunday of Advent, also known as Gaudete Sunday. This day is meant to be a time of rejoicing as the celebration of Christmas draws near. The color of the candle is meant to symbolize the joy that comes with the anticipation of the birth of Jesus Christ.
The third Sunday of Advent also marks the halfway point of the four-week Advent season, and the focus of this day is on Mary, the mother of Jesus. This candle represents the joy that Mary felt when she learned that she would give birth to Jesus, the Son of God. The third candle is a reminder that even in the midst of our struggles and challenges, we can find joy in the hope and promise of Christ’s birth.
Symbolism of the four candles in a table
| Candle | Color | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| First Candle | Purple | Hope |
| Second Candle | Purple | Faith |
| Third Candle | Pink or Rose | Joy |
| Fourth Candle | Purple | Peace |
The table above summarizes the symbolism of each of the four candles in the Advent wreath. Each candle represents a different aspect of the Advent season and the anticipation of the birth of Jesus Christ. Together, the four candles remind us of the hope, faith, joy, and peace that we can find in Christ, and the promise of salvation that His birth represents.
Colors and Meanings of the Candles
The advent wreath is a Christian tradition that symbolizes the passage of the four weeks of Advent in the liturgical calendar. The circular wreath is usually made of evergreen branches, which represent the eternity of God and the unending love that He has for humanity. The four candles on the wreath represent different things, depending on their color and placement.
The Number 4
The number four is significant in Christianity, as it represents the four Evangelists (Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John) and the four cardinal virtues (prudence, justice, fortitude, and temperance). In the context of the advent wreath, the number four also represents the four weeks of Advent leading up to Christmas Day.
Candle Colors and Meanings
- Purple: The first candle on the advent wreath is purple, which symbolizes penance, preparation, and waiting. It represents the time of waiting and expectation during the first week of Advent. Many Christians use this time to confess their sins and make themselves ready for the coming of Christ.
- Purple: The second candle on the advent wreath is also purple. It represents faith, peace, and hope. It embodies the belief that Christ is coming and the hope of His arrival. Christians use this time to renew their faith and remember that God is always with them.
- Pink: The third candle on the advent wreath is pink, which represents joy. It is lit on the third Sunday of Advent, which is also known as Gaudete Sunday. The color pink symbolizes the joy that comes with the anticipation of Christ’s birth.
- Purple: The fourth and final candle on the advent wreath is purple, reminding us of the solemnity of the season. It represents peace, love, and the final preparation for the coming of Christ. Christians use this time to reflect on the meaning of Christ’s birth and to prepare themselves for the celebration of Christmas.
The Advent Wreath Candle Placement and Order
The advent wreath is arranged with the first purple candle on the left, followed by the second purple candle on the right. The third pink candle is placed on the left, and the fourth purple candle is placed on the right. The pink candle is usually positioned in the center of the wreath. Each candle is lit on its respective Sunday, starting with the first purple candle on the first Sunday of Advent.
| Candle | Week | Color | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|
| First | First Week | Purple | Penance, preparation, and waiting |
| Second | Second Week | Purple | Faith, peace, and hope |
| Third | Third Week | Pink | Joy |
| Fourth | Fourth Week | Purple | Peace, love, and final preparation |
The advent wreath and its candles are a beautiful and meaningful way for Christians to mark the weeks leading up to Christmas. By lighting each candle and reflecting on its meaning, Christians can deepen their faith and prepare their hearts for the celebration of the birth of Christ.
The First Candle: Hope
The Advent season is all about preparing for the coming of Jesus Christ, and the four candles of the Advent wreath each represent a significant aspect of this preparation. The first candle, which is lit on the first Sunday of Advent, symbolizes hope. Here are the important things you need to know about the first candle of the Advent wreath.
- The color of the candle: The first candle is traditionally purple or blue, although some churches use pink instead.
- The meaning of the color: Purple represents penance and preparation, while blue represents hope.
- The significance of the candle: The first candle represents the hope that we have in Jesus Christ. As we light this candle, we are reminded of the promise that God made to us – that He would send His Son to save us from our sins.
The first candle of the Advent wreath is a symbol of the hope that we have in Jesus Christ. As we prepare for His coming during this Advent season, let us hold on to this hope and remember the promise that God made to us. With this hope in our hearts, we can face any challenge that comes our way.
The Second Candle: Peace
The second candle in the advent wreath symbolizes peace. This is an important theme, especially during the holiday season where stress and chaos can often be the norm. The lighting of the second candle is a reminder that we should strive for inner peace and extend peace to those around us.
- Peace within oneself: The second candle reminds us to focus on mental and emotional peace within ourselves. Taking time for self-care, relaxation, and reflection can help us achieve this inner peace.
- Peace with others: The holiday season can be a time of conflict and tension with family and friends. The second candle reminds us to extend peace to those around us, even in moments of disagreement.
- Peace with the world: The second candle also reminds us to consider global peace and the ways in which we can contribute to creating a more peaceful world. This may include advocating for peace and justice, supporting organizations that promote peace, and practicing acts of kindness and compassion towards those different from ourselves.
The second candle is usually purple or blue, which represents the calming and soothing qualities of these colors. The lighting of the second candle can bring a sense of peace and harmony to the space it inhabits.
| Symbol | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Purple or blue color | Calmness and relaxation |
| Second week of Advent | Focus on peace |
| Two lit candles | Continued anticipation and preparation for Christmas |
Overall, the second candle in the advent wreath is a powerful symbol of peace and inner harmony. It reminds us to prioritize self-care and kindness towards others while also considering ways in which we can create a more peaceful world. Lighting this candle can bring a sense of comfort and tranquility to our busy lives during the holiday season.
The Third Candle: Joy
As the third candle in the Advent wreath, the pink or rose-colored candle symbolizes joy. This candle represents the joy and rejoicing of the faithful as the birth of Jesus draws near.
Joy is an essential part of the Christian faith, and it is not just a fleeting emotion but a fruit of the Holy Spirit that comes with a deep sense of peace and contentment. It is a joy that comes in knowing that God loved us so much that He sent His only Son to save us from our sins.
Joy in the Christian faith is not dependent on external circumstances but comes from within. It is a joy that comes with the assurance of our salvation and the hope of eternal life in Christ. The third candle in the Advent wreath reminds us of this joy and calls us to worship God with gladness in our hearts.
What Do the Four Candles in the Advent Wreath Symbolize?
- The first candle – Hope
- The second candle – Peace
- The third candle – Joy
- The fourth candle – Love
The Symbolism of the Advent Wreath
The Advent wreath has become a universal symbol of the season leading up to Christmas. Each of the four candles symbolizes a different aspect of the Advent season:
The first candle symbolizes hope, which is the confident expectation of God’s promises to come to pass. The second candle symbolizes peace, which is the result of God’s reconciliation with humanity through Christ. The third candle symbolizes joy, which is the result of our salvation in Christ. The fourth candle symbolizes love, which is the essence of God’s nature and the motivation behind His sending of Jesus to the world.
Together, the four candles remind us of the hope, peace, joy, and love that we have in Christ and the imminence of His coming.
Advent Wreath Candle Colors and Their Meaning
The colors of the candles on the Advent wreath also have symbolic meanings:
| Candle | Color | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| First Candle | Purple | Symbolizes repentance and royalty |
| Second Candle | Purple | Symbolizes preparation and longing |
| Third Candle | Pink/Rose | Symbolizes joy and rejoicing |
| Fourth Candle | Purple | Symbolizes love and devotion |
The Advent wreath is a powerful symbol of the Christian faith that reminds us of the joy of our salvation in Christ. As we light the third candle and reflect on the joy that comes with the birth of Jesus, let us cherish the hope, peace, and love that He has brought into the world.
The Fourth Candle: Love
The fourth and final candle in the Advent wreath symbolizes love. Love is a central theme in Christianity and is seen as a way to connect with God and with others around us. The Advent season, leading up to Christmas, is a time to reflect on love and its meaning in our lives.
- Love is the ultimate expression of God’s nature.
- Love is the foundation of all Christian teachings.
- Love is the reason Jesus was born and died for us.
The fourth week of Advent is often focused on the theme of love and how we can bring more love into the world. We are called to love our neighbors, our enemies, and ourselves. This can be a challenging task, but it is an essential part of the Christian faith.
One way to celebrate the theme of love during Advent is to practice random acts of kindness. Whether it be buying a stranger a cup of coffee, volunteering at a local charity, or simply smiling at someone who looks like they need it, there are many small actions we can take to spread love and kindness in our communities.
| Bible Verses: | Meaning: |
| John 3:16 | For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. |
| 1 Corinthians 13:4-8 | Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails. |
| Matthew 22:37-39 | Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ |
As we light the fourth candle in the Advent wreath, let us be reminded of the love that God has for us and the love that we are called to share with others. May our actions be a reflection of this love and may it bring peace and joy into the world around us.
Lighting and Order of the Candles
One of the most well-known symbols of the Advent season is the Advent wreath. The wreath itself holds four candles, each one lit in the four weeks leading up to Christmas. Each candle has a specific meaning and purpose. They are lit in a particular order, with the lighting of each candle on each Sunday leading up to Christmas.
The Number 9: Spiritual Completion
The third candle on the Advent wreath is often pink and is called the “Shepherd’s Candle” or the “Candle of Joy”. This candle represents the joy the shepherds felt when they learned of the birth of Jesus from the angels. It also represents the joy that we feel as we become more spiritually complete and closer to God.
- The number 9 has great significance in spiritual symbolism. It represents spiritual completion and is often associated with the number of fruits of the spirit and gifts of the Holy Spirit.
- The Shepherd’s Candle is lit on the third Sunday of Advent, which is often referred to as Gaudete Sunday. The term “Gaudete” means “rejoice” in Latin and represents the joy that is felt as Christmas draws near.
- The pink color of the candle also represents joy, as it is a lighter shade of the traditional purple used for Advent. This color change marks a shift in the season, from one of reflection and penance to one of anticipation and joy.
The lighting of the Shepherd’s Candle marks the midpoint of Advent and serves as a reminder to us that we are halfway to celebrating the birth of Jesus. It’s a time to reflect on the joy that Jesus brings into our lives, and to use that joy to inspire us to give back to others.
The Advent wreath provides a powerful symbol of the hope, faith, joy, and love that we experience during the Advent season. Each candle has its own unique meaning and purpose, and the lighting of each candle serves as a reminder of the journey we are on, leading up to the celebration of the birth of Jesus.
| Candle | Color | Week Lit | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|
| First Candle | Purple | First Week of Advent | Hope |
| Second Candle | Purple | Second Week of Advent | Faith |
| Third Candle | Pink | Third Week of Advent | Joy |
| Fourth Candle | Purple | Fourth Week of Advent | Love |
The Advent wreath is a beautiful way to celebrate the Advent season and prepare for the celebration of Christmas. It provides a visual reminder of the journey we are on, as we reflect on the hope, faith, joy, and love that Jesus brings into our lives.
Other objects used in Advent celebrations.
Aside from the Advent wreath, there are several other objects that are commonly used during Advent season. Here are some of them:
- Advent Calendar: A calendar that counts down the days until Christmas; it often has small doors or pockets that hide treats or small gifts for each day.
- Candles: In addition to the four candles of the Advent wreath, some people light a special Advent candle each night, often with a prayer or reading.
- Nativity scene: A display of figurines that depict the story of Jesus’ birth; it often includes Mary, Joseph, the baby Jesus, and various animals such as sheep and donkeys.
- Chrismon Tree: A Christmas tree decorated with special ornaments that represent Christ and the Christian faith.
The use of these objects helps to deepen our understanding and appreciation of Advent season. Each object has a unique significance and can provide a meaningful way to engage with the Advent message.
Perhaps the most well-known and beloved of these objects is the Nativity scene. It provides a tangible representation of the Christmas story and serves as a reminder of what we are celebrating during Advent season. The use of an Advent calendar can also be a fun and creative way to observe the season, as each day brings us closer to the joy of Christmas.
One unique item that is often used during Advent season is the Chrismon tree. This tree is decorated with special ornaments that are designed to represent the Christian faith, such as the cross or the fish. The use of a Chrismon tree helps to emphasize the religious significance of the holiday and gives us a visual reminder of the true meaning of Christmas.
| Object | Symbolic Meaning |
|---|---|
| Advent Calendar | Counting down the days until Christmas |
| Candles | Lighting the way to Christ |
| Nativity scene | Depicting the birth of Jesus |
| Chrismon Tree | Representing the Christian faith |
By incorporating these objects into our Advent celebrations, we can enhance our own spiritual journey and deepen our connection to the wonder and joy of the season.
What Do the Four Candles in the Advent Wreath Symbolize? FAQs
Q: What is Advent?
A: Advent is a period of spiritual preparation for the Christmas season, observed by many Christians as a time of waiting and hopeful expectation.
Q: What is an Advent wreath?
A: An Advent wreath is a circular wreath of evergreen branches, with four candles set within it. It is a traditional Christian symbol of the Advent season.
Q: What do the four candles in the Advent wreath represent?
A: The four candles in the Advent wreath represent different aspects of the spiritual preparation for Christmas. Typically, there are three purple candles and one pink candle.
Q: What does the first purple candle represent?
A: The first purple candle is usually lit on the first Sunday of Advent, and it represents hope. It is sometimes called the “Prophecy Candle.”
Q: What does the second purple candle represent?
A: The second purple candle is usually lit on the second Sunday of Advent, and it represents love. It is sometimes called the “Bethlehem Candle.”
Q: What does the pink candle represent?
A: The pink candle is usually lit on the third Sunday of Advent, and it represents joy. It is sometimes called the “Shepherd Candle.”
Q: What does the third purple candle represent?
A: The third purple candle is usually lit on the fourth Sunday of Advent, and it represents peace. It is sometimes called the “Angel Candle.”
Closing Thoughts
Thanks for reading about what the four candles in the Advent wreath symbolize! Each candle represents a different aspect of the spiritual preparation for Christmas, and they are all lit in anticipation of the birth of Jesus Christ. We hope you found this information helpful and that you have a blessed Advent season. Be sure to visit us again for more inspiring articles!