What the Advent Wreath Symbolizes

 

Advent is the first season of the Church year and consists of the four Sundays leading up to Christmas. Advent is Latin for “coming,” a period of preparation for the coming of our Lord.[1]

 

Traditionally, there are four candles representing the four weeks of Advent. The white candle in the center of the wreath is known as the Christ Candle and symbolizes our Lord’s incarnation. After all, Christ is “the Light that came into the world” to dispel the darkness of sin and to radiate the truth and love of God (John 3:19-21).

 

While there are different beliefs about what each candle in the Advent wreath represents, here is the one I follow, given to me by a former member of our Clergy, the Rev. Jonathan Adams:

 

The first candle lit on the First Sunday in Advent is “The Prophecy Candle” or “Candle of Hope.” Our hope comes from God. (Romans 15:12-13)

 

The second candle represents “The Bethlehem Candle” or “The Candle of Preparation.” Preparation means to “Get ready!” (Luke 3:4-6)

 

On the Third Sunday in Advent, the candle is pink and known as “The Shepherd Candle,” “The Candle of Joy” or “Mary’s Candle.” The angels sang a message of Joy! (Luke 2:8-10)

 

The final candle lit is “The Angel Candle” or “The Candle of Love.” God sent His only Son to earth to save us because He loves us. (John 3:16-17)

 

Each candle tells the story of our faith and builds anticipation for the coming week of Advent, when we will recognize the moment when everything changed for all of us—the birth of our Savior, Jesus.

 

Although the history of the Advent wreath is unknown, it is said to have started in Germany around the 1600s. Every aspect of the wreath has symbolism: the circular shape with no ending or beginning speaks of God and His love; the evergreens represent everlasting life given through Jesus’ sacrifice; the prickly leaves of holly remind us of the crown of thorns; and laurel, used in antiquity to honor those who won sporting events or battles, represents Christ’s victory over persecution, suffering and death.

 

Traditionally, the candles are either three purple, violet, or blue in color, and one pink candle with the white “Christ” candle in the center. Even though the Advent wreath is primarily seen in churches on Sundays, today many families use Advent wreaths in their daily devotions.


[1] Patricia S. Klein, Worship Without Words – The Signs and Symbols of Our Faith (Brewster, Massachusetts: Paraclete Press, 200) page 41.

Barbara Piana
Worship Coordinator and Verger
If you would like to reply to this devotional, please email
Barbara at bpiana@smec.org.