The air is crisp, the scent of pine and cinnamon permeates every room, and twinkling lights illuminate the streets. It’s that time of year again – the holiday season is here. As we approach Christmas, many of us are preparing to light the advent candles. But what exactly do these candles symbolize?
The advent candles are a crucial part of the Christian tradition leading up to Christmas. Each of the four candles represents an important element: hope, love, joy, and peace. As we light each candle on the advent wreath, we are reminded of the spiritual significance of the holiday season. It’s a time of preparation, forgiveness, and reflection – a time to pause and appreciate the beauty of life, and to spend time with loved ones.
With each passing week, we light another candle, drawing closer to the birth of Jesus and the full celebration of Christmas. While the holiday season can be hectic and stressful, the advent candles offer us a sense of peace and tranquility. The simple act of lighting a candle and spending a few moments in quiet reflection can help us to reset our minds and focus on what truly matters – the love that surrounds us, and the joy that comes from sharing it with others.
The History of Advent Candles
The use of candles during Advent dates back to the Middle Ages. Before the widespread use of electricity, the winter months were dark and dreary. Candles were often the only source of light, symbolizing hope and promise in the midst of darkness. The Advent season itself has also been celebrated since the early days of Christianity, as a time of preparation leading up to Christmas.
The tradition of lighting candles during Advent began in Germany in the 16th century, with the use of wreaths made of evergreens, four candles, and a fifth candle in the center. The wreath symbolized God’s endless love, while the four outer candles represented the four Sundays leading up to Christmas. Each week, one additional candle was lit, with the center candle being lit on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day.
The Advent wreath and candles have since become a popular tradition in many Christian denominations around the world. While various churches and families have slightly different customs and meanings for each candle, the overall symbolism remains the same.
The Significance of Lighting Candles during Advent
The tradition of lighting candles during Advent dates back to the early 16th century when German Christians invented the Advent wreath. The wreath, made of evergreen branches and four candles, represents the four weeks of Advent leading up to Christmas.
- The first candle, usually purple, represents hope and is known as the Prophet’s Candle because it symbolizes the prophets in the Old Testament who predicted the coming of Jesus Christ.
- The second candle, also purple, represents faith and is called the Bethlehem Candle as it symbolizes the journey of Mary and Joseph to Bethlehem.
- The third candle, pink in color, represents joy and is called the Shepherd’s Candle as it signifies the joy the shepherds experienced upon receiving the news of Jesus’ birth.
- The fourth and final candle, also purple, represents peace and is called the Angel’s Candle because it symbolizes the angels’ announcement of Christ’s birth.
Each Sunday of Advent, a candle is lit to represent the specific theme of that week. For instance, the first Sunday of Advent begins with the lighting of the Prophet’s Candle, and the following Sunday, the Prophet’s Candle will be lit along with the Bethlehem Candle.
Lighting the candles during Advent is a way of symbolically preparing for the coming of Christ. The candles evoke a sense of hope, faith, joy, and peace and inspire people to prepare their hearts and minds for the arrival of Jesus on Christmas Day.
| Candle | Color | Symbolism |
|---|---|---|
| First Candle | Purple | Hope |
| Second Candle | Purple | Faith |
| Third Candle | Pink | Joy |
| Fourth Candle | Purple | Peace |
Ultimately, the lighting of candles during Advent reminds us that Christmas is not only about the joy of gift-giving and family gatherings but also about the spiritual significance of the birth of Jesus Christ.
The Origin of the Advent Wreath
The Advent wreath is a significant symbol of the Advent season. It is a circular wreath with four candles, typically three purple and one pink. The wreath symbolizes God’s love without beginning or end, while the candles represent the four weeks leading up to Christmas Day.
However, the history and origin of the Advent wreath go further back in time. Here is a brief look at the evolution of the Advent wreath:
- The first use of an Advent wreath dates back to the 16th century in Germany, where Lutherans and Catholics would use wreaths made of fir tree branches and candles to mark the days until Christmas.
- Over time, the tradition spread to other parts of Europe, and different variations emerged.
- In the 19th century, the wreath took on its current form, with the candles (representing Christ as the light of the world) being surrounded by evergreen leaves (symbolizing eternal life).
Today, the Advent wreath has become a popular tradition not only in Europe but worldwide among Christians. It is a perfect reminder of the true meaning of Christmas and a way to exercise patience while awaiting the arrival of the birth of Jesus Christ.
The Symbolism of the Four Candles
The Advent wreath, a popular Christian tradition, is comprised of four candles, each representing different meanings and symbolisms. Candles serve as a reminder of the light that Jesus Christ brings into the world, especially during the darkest days of the year. The four candles are lit every Sunday leading up to the Christmas celebration. Let us delve deeper into the symbolism of each of these candles:
The Number 4
- The number 4 in the Bible is associated with the creation story. God created the world in four days- light, sky, sea, and land. Therefore, the four candles on the Advent wreath symbolize the earth’s creation and represent the anticipation of the coming of Christ, who brings light into the world.
- The number 4 is also the symbol of universal manifestation, which means completeness in the physical world. The four candles on the wreath represent a complete circle, a symbol of God’s unending love and faithfulness to His people.
- The number 4 holds significant meaning in the gospel. Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John wrote the gospel, the four books that describe the life and teachings of Christ.
The Symbolism of Each Candle
The four candles on the Advent wreath are often different colors, and each has its symbolism.
- The first candle, usually purple, symbolizes hope, a sign of anticipation, and a reminder of the prophets who foretold the birth of Jesus Christ.
- The second candle, also purple, represents love. It is often called the “Bethlehem candle,” which signifies Christ’s manger. It indicates that God’s love for humanity is so intense that He sent His only Son to save us from sin.
- The third candle, usually pink, represents joy. It is often called the “Shepherd’s candle,” reminding us of the rejoicing of the angels and the joy that Jesus’ birth brought to the world.
- The fourth candle, also purple, represents peace. It is often called the “Angel’s candle,” symbolizing the message of the angels to the shepherds that says, “Peace on earth, goodwill towards men.”
The Advent Wreath Candle Lighting Tradition
On each new Sunday of Advent, families gather together to light the wreath candles. Usually, the first candle is lit on the first Sunday of Advent, followed by the second candle on the second Sunday, and so on, until all four candles are lit on the fourth Sunday. Each week, a new candle is lit, with a focus on the symbolism of that particular candle. This tradition helps families to reflect on the significant meaning of Christmas and the message it brings to the world.
| Candle | Week | Symbolism |
|---|---|---|
| Purple | First Week | Hope |
| Purple | Second Week | Love |
| Pink | Third Week | Joy |
| Purple | Fourth Week | Peace |
As we light each candle on the Advent wreath, we are reminded of the promise of redemption, the presence of hope, the depth of God’s love, the joy of the Lord, and the peace that surpasses all understanding. The Advent wreath creates a beautiful centerpiece in every Christian home, reminding us of the true meaning of the Christmas season.
The Color of Each Advent Candle
The tradition of lighting an advent candle during the Christmas season dates back to the early 19th century. The advent candles represent the period of anticipation leading up to the birth of Jesus Christ. Each candle has a significant meaning behind its color and is lit on each of the four weeks before Christmas Eve.
- Purple Candle: The first candle is purple and symbolizes hope. It reminds us of the hope God gave to the people of Israel for a savior. It also represents the expectation and anticipation of the coming of Christ.
- Purple Candle: The second candle is also purple and represents love. This candle reflects the love of God for his people and the love we should have for one another. It is also known as the Bethlehem candle, as it reminds us of the humble birthplace of Jesus Christ.
- Pink Candle: The third candle is pink or rose-colored and represents joy. This candle is also known as the Shepherd’s candle, as it recalls the joy of the shepherds who heard the good news of Jesus’ birth in Bethlehem. It reminds us to rejoice in the true meaning of Christmas.
- Purple Candle: The fourth candle is purple and represents peace. It is also known as the Angel’s candle, reminding us of the announcement of the birth of Jesus by the angels in the sky. This candle represents the peace that comes with knowing Christ and the peace he brings to the world.
In addition to the four candles, some advent wreaths include a fifth candle in the center. This candle is white, representing purity and the birth of Jesus Christ. It is lit on Christmas Eve or Day to celebrate the final arrival of Christ.
| Candle | Color | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| First Candle | Purple | Hope |
| Second Candle | Purple | Love |
| Third Candle | Pink/Rose | Joy |
| Fourth Candle | Purple | Peace |
| Fifth Candle | White | Purity and Birth of Jesus Christ |
The advent candles and wreaths are a beautiful and meaningful way to celebrate the Christmas season. Each candle’s color and meaning remind us to reflect on the significance of this holy season, bringing hope, love, joy, peace, and ultimately, the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ.
The Meaning of the First Advent Candle: The Prophecy Candle
The season of Advent is a time of great expectation and anticipation. This is the season where Christians prepare for the coming of Christ. One of the most popular traditions of Advent is the lighting of the Advent candles. Many people know that the candles represent something, but not everyone knows what each candle symbolizes. In this article, we will look at the meaning of the first Advent candle, which is also known as the prophecy candle.
The prophecy candle is typically a purple candle and is the first candle that is lit on the first Sunday of Advent. The candle’s purple color represents royalty and repentance, which are two very important themes during the Advent season. The prophecy candle is also known as the candle of hope and signifies the anticipation of the coming of Christ.
- Meaning of Prophecy: The word “prophecy” means to speak or write something that is believed to be a divine revelation. During the Advent season, the prophecy candle represents the revelation of the coming of Christ to the Old Testament prophets. The prophecy candle reminds us of the promise of a Savior who will redeem us from our sins.
- The Old Testament Prophets: The prophecy candle is a symbol of the promises that were made by the Old Testament prophets. The prophets spoke of a Messiah who would come to save the people from their sins. The prophecy candle reminds us of the words spoken by Isaiah, who foretold the birth of Christ: “Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel.” (Isaiah 7:14)
- The Prophets’ Role: The role of the prophets in preparing the world for the coming of Christ was crucial. The prophecy candle represents the Old Testament prophets’ work of calling the people to repentance and paving the way for the coming of Christ. The prophets were instrumental in preparing the world for the coming of the Messiah.
The prophecy candle’s symbolism is perhaps best captured in the words of the apostle Paul, who wrote to the Romans, reminding them of the importance of Christ’s coming: “For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through the endurance taught in the Scriptures and the encouragement they provide we might have hope.” (Romans 15:4)
| Prophecy Candle | Other Advent Candles |
|---|---|
| The first candle | The three other candles |
| Color: Purple | Color: Three purple and one pink |
| Symbol: Hope and anticipation of Christ’s coming | Symbol: Love, joy, and peace |
| Represents: The Old Testament prophets who foretold of Christ’s coming | Represents: The shepherds who were the first to hear the news of Christ’s birth, Mary and Joseph, and the wise men who came to worship Him. |
The prophecy candle is an important symbol during the Advent season. It reminds us of the promises made by the Old Testament prophets and the hope that we have in Christ’s coming. As we light the first candle, we are reminded of our need for repentance and the anticipation of the birth of Christ. May this season be a time of great joy and expectation as we wait for the coming of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
The Meaning of the Second Advent Candle: The Bethlehem Candle
As we continue with our Advent celebrations, the second candle is lit to represent the Bethlehem Candle. This candle has a unique significance that helps us better connect with the birth of Jesus Christ and its importance to Christianity.
In this article, we will explore the meaning behind the Bethlehem candle and its symbolism in the Advent Wreath. Let’s dive deeper into the second candle that we light in our Advent celebrations.
The Significance of the Bethlehem Candle
- The second Advent candle represents the prophecy.
- The candle symbolizes the journey made by Joseph and Mary to Bethlehem, where Jesus was born.
- The second candle is often referred to as the “Peace Candle” since it represents the peace that Jesus brought into the world through his birth.
Symbolism of the Second Advent Candle
The Bethlehem candle is one of the most significant Advent candles that offers a lot of symbolisms, which include:
- The Candle Flame: The light of the candle represents Jesus as the “Light of the World.”
- The Color: The second candle is typically purple, which symbolizes royalty and penance.
- The Location: The Bethlehem candle is the second candle that is lit in the Advent Wreath, which signifies the continuing journey that Joseph and Mary embarked upon towards the birth of Jesus.
Bethlehem Candle Table
| Bethlehem Candle | Symbolism |
|---|---|
| The flame | Jesus as the “light of the world.” |
| The color | Royalty and penance |
| The location | The continuing journey towards the birth of Jesus. |
In conclusion, the Bethlehem candle holds significant importance in our Advent celebrations. It reminds us of the journey that Mary and Joseph made towards Bethlehem, where Jesus was born, and the peace that He brought into the world. It serves as a hopeful reminder of the presence of Jesus Christ in our daily lives, giving us peace and light as we continue our journey towards faith and spiritual growth.
The Meaning of the Third Advent Candle: The Shepherds’ Candle
The third Advent candle, also known as the Shepherds’ Candle, is lit on the third Sunday of Advent, which is the Sunday closest to Christmas. This candle represents the joy and excitement the shepherds experienced when they heard the news of Jesus’ birth from the angels.
- The shepherds in the Bible were humble and hardworking men who were often overlooked by society. However, they were the first to hear of the Messiah’s birth, just as Jesus would later preach that the kingdom of heaven belongs to the humble and meek (Matthew 5:3).
- The Shepherds’ Candle reminds us that God chooses to reveal himself to all people, regardless of their station in life.
- Furthermore, the shepherds’ presence at Jesus’ birth signifies that he came for everyone, not just the religious elite or the wealthy. Jesus’ message and mission were for all people, regardless of their background or circumstances.
The Shepherds’ Candle holds the meaning of Joy, which is reflected in the words of the angels when they appeared to the shepherds: “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people” (Luke 2:10).
This candle serves as a reminder for us to find joy in the simple things in life, as the shepherds did when they saw the baby Jesus. The Shepherds’ Candle also reminds us to spread joy and good news to others, just as the angels did when they announced Jesus’ birth to the shepherds.
| Candle | Color | Symbolism |
|---|---|---|
| First Candle | Purple | Hope |
| Second Candle | Purple | Peace |
| Third Candle | Pink | Joy (Shepherds’ Candle) |
| Fourth Candle | Purple | Love |
In conclusion, the Shepherds’ Candle carries a powerful message of joy and hope for all people, regardless of their standing in society. It encourages us to find delight in the simple things in life, to spread good news and joy to one another, and to remember that the birth of Jesus Christ was for everyone. It reminds us to live each day in anticipation of the joy that comes from the message of the Gospel.
The Meaning of the Fourth Advent Candle: The Angels’ Candle
The fourth candle of Advent, also known as the Angels’ Candle, is the final candle to be lit on the fourth Sunday of Advent. This candle symbolizes the announcement by the angels of the coming birth of Jesus Christ.
The Angels’ Candle is usually a shade of white or gold and is located in the center of the Advent wreath. The other three candles are typically purple, representing the themes of hope, peace, and love.
- The Angels’ Candle is also called the “Shepherd’s Candle” because it symbolizes the message of the angels to the shepherds on the night of Jesus’ birth.
- The angels’ message to the shepherds expresses joy and peace, which are central themes of the Advent season.
- Lighting the Angels’ Candle on the fourth Sunday of Advent is a reminder of the joy and hope that the announcement of Jesus’ birth brought to the world.
The Angels’ Candle reminds us of the role of the angels in Jesus’ birth story. It also symbolizes the broader role that angels play in the Bible, acting as messengers between God and humanity. The presence of angels in the Christmas story reminds us that God is always present and working in our world.
The Angels’ Candle sets the stage for Christmas the following week and emphasizes the message of peace and hope that the holiday brings.
| Advent Candle | Color | Symbolism |
|---|---|---|
| First Candle | Purple | Hope |
| Second Candle | Purple | Peace |
| Third Candle | Purple | Love |
| Fourth Candle | White/Gold | Announcement of Jesus’ Birth by Angels |
The Angels’ Candle serves as a reminder to celebrate the coming of Jesus Christ during the Advent season. It reminds us of the message of hope and joy that Jesus’ birth brings to the world.
How to Celebrate Advent with Candles
Advent is a season of preparation and anticipation for the coming of the Christ child, celebrated in Christian churches in the weeks leading up to Christmas. One of the most popular ways to mark the weeks of Advent is by lighting candles on an Advent wreath. Here’s a guide on how to celebrate Advent with candles:
- Choose Your Advent Wreath: You can make your own Advent wreath or purchase one ready-made. A typical Advent wreath has 4 candles (3 purple and 1 pink) arranged evenly around a circular wreath of evergreens. The size and style of the wreath can vary depending on your preference.
- Assign Each Candle a Different Meaning: Each of the 4 candles on an Advent wreath symbolize something different. The first purple candle represents hope, the second purple candle represents peace, the pink candle represents joy, and the third purple candle represents love. You can also light a white candle on Christmas Day to represent Christ.
- Light the Candles: The first candle is lit on the first Sunday of Advent, and one additional candle is lit each successive Sunday, until all four are burning on the fourth Sunday of Advent. As you light each candle, take time to reflect on its corresponding theme and engage in prayer or meditative practices that relate to that theme.
If you’re looking for more creative ways to incorporate candles into your Advent celebrations, consider the following ideas:
Create a Candle-Lighting Ritual: Gather your family members or friends together in a quiet place, light the Advent wreath candles, and spend a few moments in silent reflection on the themes of hope, peace, joy, and love. This is a great way to connect with loved ones and deepen your understanding of the season.
Make Your Own Candles: Consider making your own Advent candles to add a personal touch to your celebrations. You can buy candles and add your own decorations or fragrances, or experiment with making your own candles from scratch.
| Type of Candle | Color | Scent |
|---|---|---|
| Pillar Candle | Purple | Lavender |
| Taper Candle | Pink | Rose |
| Pillar Candle | White | Vanilla |
Host a Candlelit Dinner: Gather friends or family for a special dinner where the table is illuminated with candles. Use an Advent wreath to mark the Sundays leading up to Christmas and take turns lighting the candles and reading relevant passages from the Bible or other spiritual texts.
By incorporating candles into your Advent celebrations, you can deepen your understanding of the season while creating a peaceful and reflective atmosphere in your home or church.
FAQs – What do the Advent Candles Symbolize
Q: What are Advent Candles?
Advent Candles are candles that are traditionally used in the Christian religion during the Advent season.
Q: What is the Advent season?
The Advent season is the period of four Sundays and weeks before Christmas, a time of preparation for the coming of Jesus into the world.
Q: What do the Advent candles symbolize?
Each candle symbolizes a different aspect of the Advent story. The first candle represents hope, the second is for peace, the third is for joy, and the fourth is for love. The fifth and final candle is lit on Christmas day and represents the birth of Jesus.
Q: What color are the Advent candles?
The traditional colors of Advent candles are purple, pink, and white. The purple candles represent the period of waiting and repentance, the pink candle represents the joy of the coming of Jesus, and the white candle represents the purity and hope of the birth of Christ.
Q: Why are the candles lit in a particular order?
The candles are lit in a particular order to symbolize the progression of the Advent story. Each candle is lit on a different Sunday, with the first being lit on the first Sunday of Advent and each subsequent candle being lit on the following Sundays.
Q: Where do Advent candles come from?
The tradition of using Advent candles dates back to the Middle Ages in Germany. The candles were originally used as a way to count down the days until Christmas, but eventually became associated with the Advent story.
Q: Can anyone use Advent candles?
While Advent candles are traditionally used in the Christian religion, anyone can use them as a way to prepare for the holiday season and reflect on the values they represent.
Closing Thoughts
Thank you for taking the time to learn about the meaning behind Advent candles. We hope that this article has helped you understand the important symbolism that lies behind this beloved tradition. Remember, as you light each candle during the Advent season, take a moment to reflect on the values it represents and allow them to inspire you throughout the holiday season. Be sure to come back for more holiday insights, have a happy holiday season!