The use of the wreath and candles during Advent are a longstanding Christian tradition that was originally used in the Middle Ages as part of the spiritual preparation for Christmas.

The wreath and candles are full of symbolism tied to the Christmas season. The wreath itself, which is made of various evergreens, signifies continuous life. The circle of the wreath, which has no beginning or end, symbolizes the eternity of God, the immortality of the soul, and the everlasting life we find in Christ. Even the evergreens that make up the wreath have their own meanings that can be adapted to our faith. The wreath is meant to remind us of both the immortality of our souls and God’s promise of everlasting life to us through Jesus Christ our Lord.

The candles on the Advent Wreath also have their own meanings and significance. The four candles around the circle of the Wreath represent the four Sundays of Advent, and one is lit each Sunday. Three of the candles are purple or violet, symbolising prayer, penitence and self-sacrifice. The third Sunday sees a pink candle (symbolising Joy) being lit. Lastly, a white candle, placed in the middle of the Wreath, is lit on Christmas Eve, symbol of the Incarnation.

• The first candle, which is purple, symbolizes Hope. It is sometimes called the “Prophecy Candle” in remembrance of the prophets, especially Isaiah, who foretold the birth of Christ. It represents the expectation felt in anticipation of the coming Messiah.
• The second candle, also purple, represents Faith. It is called the “Bethlehem Candle” as a reminder of Mary and Joseph’s journey to Bethlehem.
• The third candle is pink and symbolizes Joy. It is called the “Shepherd’s Candle,” and is pink because rose is a liturgical colour for joy. The third Sunday of Advent is Gaudete Sunday and is meant to remind us of the joy that the world experienced at the birth of Jesus, as well as the joy of the faithful who have reached the midpoint of the Advent fast.
• On the fourth week of Advent, we light the final purple candle to mark the beginning of the last week of prayer and penance as we wait for the birth of our Saviour. This final candle, the “Angel’s Candle,” symbolizes Peace. It reminds us of the message of the angels: “Peace on Earth, Good Will Toward Men.”

The white candle is placed in the middle of the wreath and is lit on Christmas Eve. This candle is called the “Christ Candle” and represents the life of Jesus Christ. The colour white is for purity—because Jesus Christ is our sinless, pure Saviour.

Making an Advent Wreath is creative and meaningful, and the symbolism is a good teaching aid to all ages of parishioners. It can also be a fun-filled exercise in your family home.

An Advent Wreath does not need to be costly, and a simple wreath is probably the most compatible with the Season. The lighting of the candles each week heightens the awareness of all to the approaching Christmas Feast.

Below is the Advent Collect, a prayer that is used each day in Advent.

The Advent Collect

ALMIGHTY God, give us grace that we may cast away the works of darkness, and put upon us the armour of light, now in the time of this mortal life, in which Thy Son Jesus Christ came to visit us in great humility; that in the last day, when He shall come again in His glorious Majesty, to judge both the quick and the dead, we may rise to the life immortal; through Him who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost, now and ever.

Amen

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