If you’ve ever attended a Lutheran church service during the Advent season, you may have noticed four candles burning on the altar. These four candles are a symbol of the coming of Jesus Christ, and they represent different aspects of the season. Each week, one candle is lit in anticipation of Christmas Day, and as the weeks progress, the light grows brighter and brighter.
The first candle of Advent is known as the candle of hope. This candle represents the promises God made to his people in the Old Testament, namely the promise of a Messiah who would come to bring salvation to all. The candle of hope reminds us that even in times of darkness, there is always the hope of redemption and new beginnings.
The second candle of Advent is the candle of peace. This candle represents the peace that comes with the birth of Jesus Christ, and reminds us of the angels’ proclamation in Luke 2:14: “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.” The candle of peace encourages us to seek peace in our own lives and to spread peace throughout the world, in honor of the Prince of Peace who was born on Christmas Day.
Background on Advent in Lutheran tradition
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 Christ at Christmas, and the return of Christ at the Second Coming. The season lasts for four Sundays leading up to Christmas Eve and is a time for reflection, prayer, and spiritual contemplation. Within the Lutheran tradition, Advent is a time to focus on the themes of hope, peace, joy, and love as symbolized by the four candles of the Advent wreath.
- Hope: The first candle represents hope and is often referred to as the “Prophecy Candle.” It symbolizes the hope that God’s promise of a Messiah was fulfilled when Jesus was born.
- Peace: The second candle represents peace and is often referred to as the “Bethlehem Candle.” It symbolizes the peace that comes with the announcement of Jesus’ birth in Bethlehem.
- Joy: The third candle represents joy and is often referred to as the “Shepherd’s Candle.” It symbolizes the joy that the shepherds experienced when they received the good news of Jesus’ birth.
- Love: The fourth candle represents love and is often referred to as the “Angel’s Candle.” It symbolizes the love that all believers are called to have for God and for one another.
As each candle is lit on each Sunday of Advent, there is an increasing focus on the coming of Jesus Christ and the fulfillment of God’s promise to his people. The use of the Advent wreath and candles is a cherished tradition within the Lutheran church and serves as a reminder of the true meaning of the Christmas season.
Importance of the Advent season in Lutheran Christianity
The Advent season holds a significant place in the Christian calendar, especially in the Lutheran Church. The Advent season marks the beginning of the church year, and its importance lies in the celebrations that take place during this period. This season is the time for followers to prepare for the coming of the Lord, both as the infant Jesus and as the everlasting king.
- Repentance and preparation – The Advent season is a time for reflection and repentance. It is a time when we look back on the past year and resolve to live a better life, preparing ourselves for the coming of Christ.
- A time for family and community – The Advent season is an excellent opportunity for people to come together as a family and community to celebrate the love of Christ. The lighting of the Advent wreath, which marks the weeks leading up to Christmas, is an excellent way to involve the whole family in this celebration.
- Anticipating the birth of Christ – Celebrating Advent gives people a chance to anticipate the birth of Christ, just as the Jews did before the coming of the Messiah. This season reminds us that we are waiting not just for the Christmas season, but for the coming of Christ into our lives and the world.
During the Advent season, many Lutheran congregations observe different traditions and practices, such as lighting candles, singing carols, and observing Advent calendars. It is a time of reflection, anticipation, and celebration as we wait for the coming of the Lord.
What do the four candles of the Advent symbolize in Lutheran Christianity?
The Advent wreath is an essential part of the Advent celebrations in the Lutheran Church. The wreath is made up of four candles, each with a unique meaning, and one larger candle in the center.
| Candle | Color | Symbolic Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| First Candle | purple | Hope – It represents the longing for Christ’s coming, and it reminds us that Christ is coming to bring hope into the world. |
| Second Candle | purple | Peace – This candle represents the peace that comes through Christ’s birth. It is a reminder that Christ’s birth brings us peace amidst all the turmoil in the world. |
| Third Candle | pink | Joy – The pink candle symbolizes the joy that comes through Christ’s coming. It is a reminder that Christ brings joy into our lives and fills our hearts with happiness. |
| Fourth Candle | purple | Love – The fourth candle represents love. It reminds us of the love that God has for us and the love that we should share with others. |
The larger candle in the center of the wreath is white and represents Christ. This candle is lit on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day, signifying the arrival of Christ, the light of the world.
The Advent wreath is a visual reminder of the significance of the Advent season. It reminds us of the hope, peace, joy, and love that Christ brings into our lives. Each candle’s lighting represents the anticipation and preparation for the coming of Jesus into our lives, which brings meaning and purpose to the season and to our faith.
The Role of Candles in Lutheran Advent Celebrations
Candles play an important role in Lutheran Advent celebrations, both for their symbolic meaning and for the aesthetic beauty they bring to the season. Advent wreaths, typically made of evergreen branches and adorned with four candles, are a common fixture in Lutheran churches and homes during the Advent season. Each Sunday leading up to Christmas, a new candle is lit, representing the increasing light of Christ coming into the world.
What Do the Four Candles of Advent Symbolize?
- The First Candle – Hope: The first candle represents hope, reminding us that Jesus’ birth brought hope to the world
- The Second Candle – Love: The second candle represents love, symbolizing the love of God for humanity and the love we should have for one another
- The Third Candle – Joy: The third candle represents joy, reminding us of the joy that the birth of Jesus brought to the world
- The Fourth Candle – Peace: The fourth candle represents peace, symbolizing the peace that Jesus brings to the world and the peace we can have in him
The Meaning Behind the Advent Wreath
The Advent wreath itself has symbolic meaning as well. The circular shape of the wreath represents eternity, reminding us of the everlasting nature of God’s love. The evergreen branches represent hope and the promise of eternal life, while the candles represent the increasing light of Christ in a world of darkness. By lighting a new candle each Sunday, we are reminded of our journey towards the coming of Christ, and the increasing light he brings to the world.
Additionally, the colors of the candles hold meaning within the Lutheran church. Traditionally, the first, second, and fourth candles are purple, representing repentance and preparation. The third candle is pink, symbolizing joy and celebration mid-way through the Advent season. Some churches also include a fifth candle, typically white, representing the Christ candle, which is lit on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day.
The Candle Lighting Ceremony
The candle lighting ceremony is an integral part of Advent celebrations in Lutheran churches and homes. Typically, the first and second candles are lit during the first and second Sundays of Advent, with readings and prayers accompanying each lighting. On the third Sunday, or Gaudete Sunday, the pink candle is lit, symbolizing our joy at the coming of Christ. Finally, the fourth candle is lit on the fourth Sunday of Advent, representing peace and the imminent arrival of Christ on Christmas Day.
| Week | Candle | Symbolism |
|---|---|---|
| First Week | Purple Candle | Hope |
| Second Week | Purple Candle | Love |
| Third Week | Pink Candle | Joy |
| Fourth Week | Purple Candle | Peace |
Overall, the candles of Advent hold deep religious meaning for Lutherans. Through the lighting of each candle, we are reminded of the hope, love, joy, and peace that the birth of Jesus brought to the world, and that continue to shine through him to this day.
The significance of the colors of the Advent candles
In the Lutheran tradition, the candles of the Advent wreath represent the four Sundays leading up to Christmas. Each candle has a specific color, and the colors symbolize different aspects of the Advent season.
The number 4
- The four candles on the Advent wreath represent the four weeks of Advent.
- The number 4 is significant in Christian tradition, as it represents the four Gospels of the New Testament: Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John.
- Additionally, the number 4 is associated with the four elements: earth, air, fire, and water. These elements are seen as the building blocks of the physical world and are often used as symbols of creation and renewal.
The colors of the Advent candles
The colors of the candles on the Advent wreath are significant and represent different aspects of the Advent season.
- Purple: The first and third candles are purple, and they represent prayer, penance, and preparation for the coming of Christ. Purple is often used as a symbol of repentance and humility.
- Pink: The third candle is pink, and it represents joy and rejoicing. This candle is sometimes referred to as the “shepherd’s candle” and is meant to remind us of the joy the shepherds felt at the announcement of the birth of Jesus.
- White: The fourth and final candle is white, and it represents purity, light, and the coming of Christ. White is often associated with celebration and hope.
The Advent wreath
The Advent wreath itself is also significant and is often made of evergreen branches, which represent eternal life. The wreath is circular, symbolizing the never-ending love of God, and the candles are placed in a circle to represent the cyclical nature of the seasons.
| Candle | Color | Symbolism |
|---|---|---|
| First | Purple | Prayer, penance, and preparation for the coming of Christ |
| Second | Purple | Peace, faith, and the prophets who foretold the coming of Christ |
| Third | Pink | Joy and rejoicing, reminding us of the joy of the shepherds at the birth of Jesus |
| Fourth | White | Purity, light, and the coming of Christ |
Overall, the Advent season and the candles of the Advent wreath are a reminder of the hope, peace, joy, and love that Christ brings into the world. As we light each candle, we are reminded of the promise of salvation and the coming of Christ, and we prepare our hearts to receive him.
The Meaning of the Traditional Advent Wreath
The Advent wreath is a tradition that has been observed by Christians for centuries. It involves the use of a wreath made up of evergreens, with four candles placed around the circumference, and a fifth candle – known as the Christ candle – placed in the center. Each candle represents a specific theme and is lit on a different week leading up to Christmas.
- The First Candle: Hope
The first candle, which is usually purple, is lit on the first Sunday of Advent and represents hope. This candle symbolizes the anticipation of the coming of Jesus. - The Second Candle: Peace
The second candle, also purple, is lit on the second Sunday of Advent and represents peace. This candle symbolizes the peace that Jesus brings to our hearts and the world. - The Third Candle: Joy
The third candle, usually pink, is lit on the third Sunday of Advent and represents joy. This candle symbolizes the joy that Jesus brings to our lives. - The Fourth Candle: Love
The fourth candle, again purple, is lit on the fourth Sunday of Advent and represents love. This candle symbolizes the love that God has for us and the love that we should have for one another. - The Fifth Candle: Christ
The fifth and final candle is lit on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day, and represents the birth of Jesus Christ. This candle symbolizes the center of our faith and the reason we celebrate Christmas.
This Advent wreath tradition offers a meaningful way to prepare for the birth of Jesus as we reflect on each of these themes each week leading up to Christmas. It serves as a reminder of the true meaning of Christmas and helps us to stay focused on our faith throughout the busy holiday season.
The Advent wreath is a beautiful symbol of hope, peace, joy, love, and Christ. It calls us to be still in the midst of chaos and reminds us of the hope that is found in Jesus.
| Candle | Color | Theme |
|---|---|---|
| First | Purple | Hope |
| Second | Purple | Peace |
| Third | Pink | Joy |
| Fourth | Purple | Love |
| Fifth | White | Christ |
Overall, the Advent wreath is a powerful and timeless tradition that brings meaning and depth to our celebration of Christmas. As we light each candle, we are reminded of God’s love for us and the joy that comes from knowing Him. This beautiful symbol of hope, peace, joy, love, and Christ ensures that the true meaning of Christmas remains at the forefront of our hearts and minds during this festive season.
The History of the Advent Wreath in Lutheran Worship
The Advent wreath is a beloved tradition in Lutheran worship that has been observed for many centuries. It is typically made up of four candles set in a circle of evergreen branches, with a fifth, central candle added on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day. The candles are lit in sequence over the four weeks leading up to Christmas, with each representing different themes and Biblical readings.
- The first candle symbolizes hope and is often called the “Prophecy Candle”. It represents the anticipation of the coming of the Messiah, as foretold by the prophets of the Old Testament.
- The second candle represents peace and is known as the “Bethlehem Candle”. It refers to the peaceful night in which Jesus was born, and the angel’s proclamation of “peace on earth, good will toward men”.
- The third candle symbolizes joy and is called the “Shepherd Candle”. It represents the joy of the shepherds upon hearing the good news of Jesus’ birth and their journey to visit Him in the manger.
- The fourth candle represents love and is called the “Angels Candle”. It symbolizes the love of God for His people and the role of the angels in proclaiming the good news of Jesus’ birth to the world.
- The fifth, central candle is lit on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day and represents Christ. It is called the “Christ Candle” and is placed in the center of the wreath. It symbolizes the arrival of Jesus, the Light of the World, and the fulfillment of God’s promise to His people.
The Advent wreath originated in 16th-century Germany, where it was used as a devotional practice in homes. It was introduced into Lutheran worship in the 19th century, and quickly became a cherished tradition. Today, the Advent wreath is a symbol of hope, peace, joy, and love, and provides a sense of comfort and familiarity for many Lutherans during the Christmas season.
In addition to its symbolic significance, the Advent wreath also serves as a visual reminder of the progression of Advent, with each candle lighting marking one step closer to Christmas. It also encourages reflection and contemplation on the themes of the season, and can be a tool for personal and communal prayer throughout the Advent season.
| Week | Candle(s) Lit | Theme | Biblical Reading |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1st Candle | Hope | Isaiah 40:1-11 |
| 2 | 1st and 2nd Candles | Hope and Peace | Isaiah 11:1-10; Luke 1:26-38 |
| 3 | 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Candles | Hope, Peace, and Joy | Isaiah 35:1-10; Luke 1:46-55 |
| 4 | All Four Candles | Hope, Peace, Joy, and Love | Isaiah 7:10-16; Luke 2:1-7 |
The Advent wreath is a cherished and meaningful tradition in Lutheran worship, and serves as a powerful reminder of the anticipation and hope that surround the Christmas season. It continues to be a beloved symbol of the faith, providing a time of reflection and prayer throughout the Advent season.
The Symbolism of the First Advent Candle (Hope)
The Advent wreath with its four candles is a tradition observed in many Lutheran churches during the Advent season, which begins on the fourth Sunday before Christmas. The wreath is adorned with four candles, each representing a different aspect of the coming of Christ, and the first candle symbolizes hope.
Hope is a powerful force that can sustain us in difficult times. The first candle reminds us to look forward to the coming of Christ with anticipation and expectation. It represents the hope we have in Christ, who brings light to our darkness and salvation to all who believe in Him.
- The first candle is often purple, which symbolizes the penitential nature of the season and our need for repentance and preparation for the coming of Christ.
- The candle is lit on the first Sunday of Advent, marking the beginning of the season and a time of waiting and expectation.
- As we await the coming of Christ, we are reminded of the hope we have in Him, even in the midst of difficult circumstances.
As we light the first candle of the Advent wreath, we are reminded to keep our focus on the hope that is to come. This hope is not just wishful thinking, but a confident expectation that Christ will come and set all things right. It is a hope that sustains and encourages us as we wait for His return.
| Symbolism | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Candle | Light of Christ |
| Purple | Penitence, preparation, and waiting |
| First Sunday of Advent | Beginning of the season and a time of anticipation |
May the symbolism of the first Advent candle, representing hope, encourage you during this season of waiting and expectation. Let us look forward with anticipation to the coming of Christ, who brings hope and light to our world.
The symbolism of the second Advent candle (faith)
The second candle of Advent symbolizes faith. It is a reminder of the faith of the Old Testament prophets who foretold the coming of Christ. It is also a reminder of Mary and Joseph’s faith in God’s plan for their lives and for the world.
- Just as the candle is lit to remind us of the faith of those before us, we should also have faith that God’s promises will be fulfilled.
- This candle serves as a reminder of the trust we should have in God’s plan, even when we do not fully understand it.
- As we light the second candle, we can reflect on our own faith journeys and ask God to increase our faith.
One way to cultivate faith during Advent is through prayer and meditation. This might include spending time each day reading the Bible or a devotional, attending worship services, or practicing intentional acts of kindness and generosity towards others.
Another way to reflect on the meaning of this candle is to consider the following table:
| Old Testament | New Testament |
|---|---|
| The prophets who spoke of the coming of the Messiah | John the Baptist, who prepared the way for Jesus |
| The faith of Abraham and Sarah, who believed that God would provide them with a son | The faith of Mary and Joseph, who trusted in God’s plan for their lives |
| The Israelites’ faith in God’s deliverance from slavery in Egypt | The faith of the disciples, who followed Jesus even unto death |
Reflecting on this table can help us to see the continuity of faith throughout the biblical narrative and inspire us to deepen our own faith in God’s promises.
The Symbolism of the Third Advent Candle (Joy)
The third candle of Advent, which is pink or rose-colored, symbolizes joy. As we move closer to Christmas, we are filled with a sense of anticipation and excitement. The third candle represents the joy that we feel as we wait for the birth of Jesus Christ, the light of the world.
- The color of the candle: The pink or rose-colored candle is lit on the third Sunday of Advent, marking the midpoint of the Advent season. The color pink is associated with rejoicing and celebration, which is in keeping with the theme of joy.
- The message of the candle: The third candle reminds us that the birth of Jesus is meant to bring us joy. The coming of Christ into the world brought hope and light to a dark world, and we are called to celebrate this joy with great enthusiasm.
- The connection to the shepherds: The third candle is often associated with the shepherds who were visited by the angels at the time of Christ’s birth. The angels told the shepherds that they brought great news of joy for all people, and the shepherds responded with great excitement and celebration.
As we light the third candle of Advent, we are reminded to embrace the joy that comes with the celebration of Christmas. We are reminded of the hope and promise that Christ’s birth brings to the world, and we are encouraged to share that joy with others. This light of joy is meant to shine brightly, illuminating the darkness of the world and bringing hope to those who are in need.
| Symbol: | Meaning: |
|---|---|
| Pink or rose-colored candle | Celebration and rejoicing |
| The message of the candle | Jesus’ birth brings us joy and hope |
| Connection to the shepherds | The angels announced great news of joy for all people |
In essence, the third Advent candle, symbolizing joy, brings a much-needed reminder that despite all of the trials and challenges we may have faced during the year, there is still a lot to celebrate in life. It is a time to be grateful, to appreciate the gift of life, and to rejoice in the good things that come our way. As we light this candle, we are called to embrace the spirit of joy and to share it with others, making both our lives and the lives of those we encounter a little brighter and a little more joyful.
The Symbolism of the Fourth Advent Candle (Peace)
As the fourth and final candle of the Advent wreath is lit, it represents peace. This candle symbolizes the ultimate goal of the entire Advent season – the peace that Christ brings to the world through his birth, death, and Resurrection. This candle reminds us of our need for inner peace, the peace which comes from God and from living in accordance with his will.
What Does the Peace Candle Represent?
- The fourth Advent candle represents the peace and tranquility that Christ brings to our lives. The light of this candle reminds us that we can find peace in even the most chaotic and difficult times, just as the shepherds found peace in the stable where Jesus was born.
- This candle also represents the ultimate peace that Christ will bring to the world when he returns. It reminds us to be hopeful and patient, trusting in God’s timing and plan for our lives.
- Additionally, this candle symbolizes our own personal peace – the peace that comes from a life lived in harmony with God and with others. It reminds us to strive for peace in our relationships, to forgive as Christ forgave us, and to love one another as he loves us.
The Color and Placement of the Peace Candle
In most Advent wreaths, the fourth candle is located at the top, center position. It is usually purple or blue, symbolizing royalty and the coming of the King of Kings. In some traditions, the fourth candle is rose-colored, representing joy and optimism as we approach the home stretch of Advent. Regardless of the color, the lighting of the peace candle is a significant moment in the Advent season, marking the nearness of the coming of Christ.
The Lighting of the Peace Candle
| Week of Advent | Theme | Candle Lighting |
|---|---|---|
| 1st Week | Hope | First candle is lit |
| 2nd Week | Peace | Second candle is lit |
| 3rd Week | Joy | Third candle is lit |
| 4th Week | Love | Fourth candle is lit |
The fourth candle is usually lit on the fourth Sunday of Advent, often alongside the other three candles. Alternatively, it may be lit during a special Christmas Eve service or other Advent observance. As the candle is lit, the reader or minister may recite a prayer or blessing that speaks to the significance of Christ’s coming and the peace that he brings.
What Do the Four Candles of Advent Symbolize Lutheran?
1. What is Advent?
Advent is a season in the Christian year, which marks the beginning of the liturgical year. It starts on the fourth Sunday before Christmas Day, and it is observed by many Christian denominations including Lutherans.
2. What do the four candles of Advent symbolize in Lutheran tradition?
The four candles of Advent symbolize four virtues: hope, love, joy, and peace.
3. What is the meaning of the first candle of Advent?
The first candle of Advent represents hope. It reminds us that Christ’s coming brings hope to our world.
4. What is the meaning of the second candle of Advent?
The second candle of Advent represents love. It reminds us of God’s love for us and how we should show love to others.
5. What is the meaning of the third candle of Advent?
The third candle of Advent represents joy. It reminds us to rejoice in the coming of Christ.
6. What is the meaning of the fourth candle of Advent?
The fourth candle of Advent represents peace. It reminds us of the peace that Christ brings to our hearts and our world.
7. Why do Lutherans light the four candles during Advent?
Lutherans light the four candles during Advent as a way to reflect on the meaning of Christ’s coming and to prepare our hearts for his arrival.
Thank you for learning about the Four Candles of Advent with us!
We hope that this article has helped you in your understanding of the Four Candles of Advent and their meaning in the Lutheran tradition. Please visit us again later for more informative articles!