The Advent Wreath

The Advent Wreath is the widely recognized symbol of Advent. The wreath is made of a circle of evergreen branches laid flat to symbolize the endless nature of God’s love for his people. Four candles stand in the circle. Traditionally, three of the candles are purple, and the fourth one, the “Joy” candle, is pink. One candle is lit during the first week of Advent, two during the second week, three during the third, and four during the fourth week. The candles remind us of the light of God coming into the world, and the light from the candles grows brighter as each week comes closer to Christmas.

The circle of the wreath reminds us of God Himself, His eternity, and endless mercy, which have no beginning or end. The green of the wreath speaks of the hope that we have in God, the hope of newness, of renewal, of eternal life. Candles symbolize the light of God coming into the world through the birth of His Son. The four outer candles represent the period of waiting during the four Sundays of Advent, which themselves symbolize the four centuries of waiting between the prophet Malachi and the birth of Christ. The light of the candles itself becomes an important symbol of the season. The light reminds us that Jesus is the light of the world, which comes into the darkness of our lives to bring newness, life, and hope. The progression in the lighting of the candles symbolizes the various aspects of our waiting experience. The lighting of the candles during the four-week period also symbolizes the darkness of fear and hopelessness receding, and the shadows of sin falling away as more and more light is shed into the world. The flame of each new candle reminds the worshippers that something is happening, and that more is yet to come. Finally, the light that has come into the world is plainly visible as the Christ candle is lighted on Christmas Eve, and worshippers rejoice that the promise of long ago has been realized.