Imagine a cozy living room on a crisp December evening, where the flickering light of candles bathes everything in a warm, inviting glow. On a table in the center of the room, a wreath of greenery is adorned with four candles. Anticipation fills the air as a family gathers around the wreath, embracing the Christmas season.
But what does a wreath symbolize, and how did this beautiful tradition come to be a central part of the Roman Catholic Advent season? Let’s explore the origin of the Advent wreath, the meaning behind the Advent candles and how we can use it to grow in prayer this Advent season.
In this blog:
What Is an Advent Wreath?
The Catholic Advent wreath is a cherished tradition observed during the weeks leading up to Christmas. The Advent wreath serves as a spiritual compass on our journey in preparation for the nativity of our Lord.
It symbolizes hope, peace, joy and love through its four candles, each representing a week leading up to the birth of Christ.
The Catholic Advent Wreath Meaning and Origin
The origin of the Advent wreath dates back to pre-Christian Germanic cultures, where lighting candles during the winter solstice honored the return of the light. Christians adopted this practice in the Middle Ages to mark the season of Advent.
The symbolism of the Advent wreath explained:
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The circular shape of the wreath represents eternity, reminding us of God's infinite love and presence in our lives.
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The greenery used to decorate the wreath symbolizes everlasting life and hope given to us by Jesus.
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The sequential lighting of the Advent wreath candles each week provides a tangible way to mark the passing of time and encourages us to reflect on the themes of hope, peace, joy and love.
The Meaning of the Four Advent Candles
The four Advent wreath candles are the hallmark feature of the Advent wreath: three purple and one rose-colored. Each represents a special virtue that God prompts us to cultivate during the Roman Catholic Advent season.
The Advent wreath candles explained:
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The first candle is purple, representing hope. It reminds us of the unwavering hope we hold within us as we await the arrival of our savior.
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The second candle is also purple, signifying peace. It calls us to seek inner peace and also to spread peace to those around us.
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The third candle is rose-colored, embodying joy. Lit on Gaudete Sunday, it serves as a reminder to rejoice that the coming of Christ is near.
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The fourth candle, purple like the first two, represents love. It symbolizes the boundless love of God, which we are called to share with others.
On some Advent wreaths, especially those in churches, a central white candle called the Christ candle is lit on Christmas Day, symbolizing the life of Christ.
Incorporating Advent Wreath Prayer into Your Christmas Season
During Advent, Catholics traditionally light the wreath at the start of their prayers, using it as a focal point for meditation on the season’s meaning. Set aside a specific time each week to light the Advent wreath candles and pray, either before or after dinner or as part of your existing prayer routine. Once you have taken a moment to enter into prayer, contemplate the significance of each candle’s theme.
You can also incorporate specific Catholic Advent wreath prayers during this time, including the Blessing of the Advent Wreath, Advent reflections or that Sunday’s Scripture readings.
Read more: How to Make Your Advent Preparation Prayerful: Three Practical Tips
FAQ About the Meaning of the Advent Wreath and Candles
What does an Advent wreath represent?
The Roman Catholic Advent wreath represents eternity and God’s everlasting love. Its circular shape symbolizes unending life, and the greenery reminds us of hope and the promise of Christ’s coming.
What is the history of the Advent wreath?
The Advent wreath originated with pre-Christian Germanic cultures, who lit candles during the winter solstice to honor the return of light. Christians later adopted the tradition in the Middle Ages to mark the season of Advent and prepare for Christmas.
What do the Advent candles represent?
The four candles of the Advent wreath symbolize the virtues of hope, peace, joy and love. A fifth central white candle, the Christ candle, is sometimes lit on Christmas Day to represent the life of Christ.
What is the order of the Advent candles?
The first candle (purple) represents hope, the second (purple) peace, the third (rose) joy and the fourth (purple) love. If present, the central white Christ candle is lit on Christmas Day.
What is a Catholic Advent wreath prayer and how is it done?
A Catholic Advent wreath prayer is a devotion that involves lighting the wreath candles weekly and offering prayers, Scripture readings or reflections. Families or individuals use it to meditate on the themes of hope, peace, joy and love while preparing for Christmas
Grow in Hope, Peace, Joy and Love: Pray With the Advent Wreath and Support Our Mission this Season
As the Christmas season unfolds, embrace the sacred meaning of the Advent wreath and its candles as a guide in your spiritual preparation for the birth of Jesus. By lighting the Advent wreath each week and offering Catholic Advent wreath prayers, you can reflect on hope, peace, joy and love while drawing closer to God.
If you’d like to share the hope, peace, joy and love reflected in your Advent wreath prayers with others this season, consider supporting Divine Word Missionaries’ global healthcare projects. Your generosity helps bring vital medical care to some of the most impoverished communities around the world. Surrounded by the glow of your Advent wreath, let your prayers and charitable giving guide your heart as we prepare to welcome our Savior.
Are you looking for more ways to explore how giving reflects the heart of the season? Read our blog—Why the True Meaning of Christmas is About Giving.
