What Do Each of the Candles of the Advent Wreath Represent?
Advent is the liturgical season where we as Catholics prepare for the coming of Jesus Christ. In the Middle Ages, the focus of Advent was more penitential and aimed to spiritually prepare souls for the Second Coming of Christ. While that is still true today, more often the liturgical season is viewed as a time to prepare for Christmas, and the “birth” of Christ in our lives. Either way, it is one the rich traditions of our Catholic Faith.
One way people mark Advent is through an Advent Wreath. Traditionally, an Advent wreath is composed of a wreath of greenery, 4 candles (3 violet and one rose) though sometimes people add a fifth candle for Christmas Eve/Day. But did you know each of the candles has a specific traditional symbolism associated with it?
These are the traditional meanings of each of the candles on an Advent Wreath:
The 1st Sunday of Advent - “The Prophet’s Candle”
This candle symbolizes hope with the reminder that Jesus is coming and in remembrance of the prophets, primarily Isaiah, who foretold the birth of Christ.
The 2nd Sunday of Advent - “The Bethlehem Candle”
This candle symbolizes faith by reminding us of Mary and Joseph’s journey to Bethlehem and Christ’s birth in a manger in the City of David.
The 3rd Sunday of Advent - “The Shepherd’s Candle”
This candle symbolizes joy with the reminding us of the Joy of the fulfillment of the promise of God to send a saviour by the birth of Jesus. The Third Sunday of Advent is known as Gaudete Sunday from the Latin word meaning "to rejoice."
The 4th Sunday of Advent - “The Angel's Candle”
The 4th Sunday of Advent symbolizes Peace with the “Angel’s Candle” reminding us of the message of the angels: “Peace on Earth, Good Will Toward Men.”
The Advent wreath is a beautiful tradition that can help you and your family focus on Christ and God’s plan for salvation amidst the hustle and bustle of the holidays. To help you further experience and meditate on the deeper meanings of Advent, we have prepared FREE prayer cards that you can use as you light each candle of the Advent wreath on Sundays throughout the season.
Additionally, we invite you to join us for daily Advent reflections from Catholic clergy, speakers, and notables that will help guide you to discovering the peace, hope, and joy that can be found during Advent.