Introduction
How To Light An Advent Wreath: Lighting an advent wreath is a cherished and meaningful tradition that marks the start of the Christmas season for many. Rooted in Christian heritage, the advent wreath represents the anticipation and preparation for the birth of Jesus Christ. However, its symbolism and beauty have made it a beloved decoration in many households, transcending religious boundaries.
The advent wreath typically consists of a circular wreath made of evergreen branches, symbolizing eternal life, and four candles, often nestled within the wreath. Each candle represents one of the four weeks leading up to Christmas, and the lighting of these candles during this period carries profound significance.
We will delve into the art of lighting an advent wreath, exploring both its traditional Christian roots and its modern, inclusive interpretations. Whether you are observing this tradition as a spiritual practice or simply as a way to count down to the holiday season, understanding the symbolism and techniques behind lighting an advent wreath can add depth and warmth to your celebrations.
Join us as we explore the history, significance, and step-by-step process of lighting an advent wreath. This guide will help you embark on a beautiful and contemplative journey as you prepare your heart and home for the joyous arrival of Christmas.
What is the correct order to light the Advent candles?
When lighting the advent candles, you first light a purple candle. Then you light another purple candle as well as the first candle. The pink candle is next in line, as well as the first two candles. Then it is the last purple candle with the other three candles.
The lighting of Advent candles follows a specific order and liturgical tradition in many Christian denominations. The exact order may vary slightly among different traditions, but the most common practice is as follows:
First Sunday of Advent: On the first Sunday of Advent, which is four weeks before Christmas, the first Advent candle is lit. This candle is often referred to as the “Prophet’s Candle” or the “Hope Candle,” symbolizing the hope and anticipation of the coming Messiah.
Second Sunday of Advent: On the second Sunday of Advent, another candle is lit along with the first one. This second candle is often called the “Bethlehem Candle” or the “Preparation Candle.” It represents the preparation and readiness for Christ’s birth.
Third Sunday of Advent: The third Sunday of Advent is known as Gaudete Sunday, which means “Rejoice” in Latin. On this day, a pink or rose-colored candle, called the “Shepherd’s Candle” or the “Joy Candle,” is lit. It signifies the joy and gladness that Christ’s birth brings.
Fourth Sunday of Advent: On the fourth Sunday of Advent, the final purple candle, often called the “Angel’s Candle” or the “Love Candle,” is lit. It represents the love of God and the message of the angels who announced Jesus’ birth.
What do you say when lighting the Advent wreath?
Start with the Advent Wreath Blessing
Dear Jesus, as we light the candle(s) on this Advent wreath, may the light of your presence bring joy to our hearts. Bless our family and our friends, and be with all those who are in need this holiday season. Amen.
When lighting the Advent wreath, there is a set liturgical or devotional prayer that is often recited, but the exact wording may vary depending on the tradition or denomination. Here’s a commonly used prayer for each week of Advent:
First Sunday of Advent (Hope Candle):
“As we begin this season of Advent, we light this candle as a symbol of hope. We hope for the coming of Christ, who brings light into the world’s darkness. May His light shine in our hearts and minds, guiding us in our journey toward His birth.”
Second Sunday of Advent (Preparation Candle):
“As we continue our Advent journey, we light this second candle to represent our preparation. Just as John the Baptist prepared the way for Christ, may we prepare our hearts to receive Him.”
Third Sunday of Advent (Joy Candle – Gaudete Sunday):
“On this day of rejoicing, we light the third candle to symbolize the joy that the birth of Jesus brings. May our hearts be filled with the joy of His coming and the hope of His salvation.”
Fourth Sunday of Advent (Love Candle):
“As we approach the celebration of Christ’s birth, we light this fourth candle to remind us of the love of God. God’s love was revealed in sending His Son to be our Savior. May His love fill our hearts and homes.”
Which candle do you light first on Advent wreath?
Purple
The first candle, which is purple, symbolizes hope. It is sometimes called the “Prophecy Candle” in remembrance of the prophets, especially Isaiah, who foretold the birth of Christ. It represents the expectation felt in anticipation of the coming Messiah. The second candle, also purple, represents faith.
The first candle to be lit on the Advent wreath is traditionally known as the “Hope Candle” or the “Prophet’s Candle.” It is lit on the first Sunday of Advent, which marks the beginning of the Advent season.
The choice to start with the Hope Candle is significant because it symbolizes the anticipation and hope surrounding the coming of Jesus Christ. This candle serves as a reminder of the hope that people held for the Messiah’s arrival, as foretold by the prophets in the Old Testament. It represents the expectation and longing for the fulfillment of God’s promises.
The lighting of this initial candle initiates the Advent season, a period of preparation, reflection, and spiritual contemplation leading up to Christmas. It sets the tone for the subsequent lighting of the other candles, each representing different aspects of the Advent journey, including preparation, joy, and love.
As the Advent season progresses, additional candles are lit in a specific order, with each candle carrying its own unique meaning and significance, ultimately culminating in the lighting of the Christ Candle on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day, symbolizing the birth of Jesus Christ, the light of the world.
How do Catholics light the Advent wreath?
One candle is lit each Sunday until all four candles are lit. As Christmas draws nearer, each candle brings a little more light into the darkness. Sometimes a white candle is lit on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day to symbolize that Jesus is with us. This can be referred to as the “Christ candle.”
Catholics traditionally light the Advent wreath as part of their Advent preparations, typically in a family or communal setting. Here’s how Catholics typically light the Advent wreath:
Gathering: The family or congregation gathers around the Advent wreath, often in the evening or before a meal. It’s a time of prayer and reflection.
Positioning: The Advent wreath is typically placed on a table or surface in a central location, and a purple or blue tablecloth may be used to symbolize the liturgical colors of Advent.
First Sunday of Advent: On the first Sunday of Advent, a prayer is said to begin the ceremony. The youngest member of the family or a designated leader then lights the first purple candle, the “Hope Candle,” while a prayer or reflection specific to the theme of hope is recited.
Second Sunday of Advent: On the second Sunday, the same process is repeated with the lighting of the second purple candle, representing “Preparation.” A corresponding prayer or reflection focuses on the theme of preparation.
Third Sunday of Advent (Gaudete Sunday): On Gaudete Sunday, the pink or rose-colored candle, symbolizing “Joy,” is lit. This is a day of rejoicing in the midst of Advent’s anticipation. Prayers and reflections center on the theme of joy.
Fourth Sunday of Advent: On the fourth Sunday, the final purple candle, representing “Love,” is lit. Prayers and reflections focus on God’s love as Advent nears its culmination.
Christmas Eve or Christmas Day: In some Catholic traditions, a fifth white candle, the “Christ Candle,” is placed in the center of the wreath and lit on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day to celebrate the birth of Jesus.
What is the meaning and symbolism behind lighting an advent wreath during the Christmas season?
Lighting an advent wreath during the Christmas season carries profound meaning and symbolism, rooted in Christian tradition. The advent wreath represents the spiritual journey of anticipation and preparation for the birth of Jesus Christ, making it a central element of the Advent season.
Circular Shape: The circular shape of the wreath, often made from evergreen branches, symbolizes eternity and the everlasting nature of God’s love. It signifies the hope of eternal life that Jesus’s birth brought into the world.
Four Candles: The advent wreath typically holds four candles, each with its own symbolism:
First Candle (Purple or Blue): This candle, often called the “Prophet’s Candle,” represents hope and expectation. It signifies the anticipation of the Messiah’s arrival.
Second Candle (Purple or Blue): Known as the “Bethlehem Candle,” it symbolizes faith. It represents the journey of Mary and Joseph to Bethlehem, where Jesus was born.
Third Candle (Pink or Rose): The “Shepherd’s Candle” represents joy and rejoicing. It commemorates the joy of the shepherds who received the good news of Jesus’s birth.
Fourth Candle (Purple or Blue): The “Angel’s Candle” signifies peace. It represents the angels who announced peace on Earth and the peace that Christ brings.
Center Candle (White): Often placed in the center of the wreath, this candle is called the “Christ Candle.” It is lit on Christmas Day, symbolizing the birth of Jesus, the Light of the World.
It’s a powerful reminder of the transformative impact of Christ’s birth on humanity, making the advent wreath a cherished and symbolic tradition for Christians worldwide.
What are the components of an advent wreath, and how do they relate to the holiday tradition?
An advent wreath consists of several key components, each deeply connected to the holiday tradition and its rich symbolism:
Circular Wreath: The base of the advent wreath is a circular wreath made typically from evergreen branches. This circular shape represents eternity, with no beginning or end, signifying God’s everlasting love and the hope of eternal life that the birth of Jesus brought to the world.
Candles: The advent wreath typically holds four candles, usually placed equidistantly around the wreath. These candles represent the four weeks leading up to Christmas and are deeply intertwined with the Christian tradition.
First Candle (Purple or Blue): Often called the “Prophet’s Candle,” it symbolizes hope and expectation. It represents the anticipation of the Messiah’s arrival as foretold by the prophets of the Old Testament.
Second Candle (Purple or Blue): Known as the “Bethlehem Candle,” it signifies faith and represents the journey of Mary and Joseph to Bethlehem, where Jesus was born.
Third Candle (Pink or Rose): The “Shepherd’s Candle” symbolizes joy and rejoicing. It commemorates the joy experienced by the shepherds upon hearing the good news of Jesus’s birth.
Fourth Candle (Purple or Blue): Referred to as the “Angel’s Candle,” it represents peace. It symbolizes the angels who announced peace on Earth and the peace that Christ brings to the world.
Center Candle (White): Often placed in the center of the wreath, this is the “Christ Candle.” It remains unlit until Christmas Day, symbolizing the birth of Jesus, the Light of the World.
The lighting of the candles each week, accompanied by scripture readings and prayers, is a reflective and symbolic journey through the Advent season, marking the spiritual preparation for the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ at Christmas. The components of the advent wreath, with their rich meanings, create a deeply meaningful and visually captivating tradition for Christian households and communities around the world.
What is the significance of the four candles in an advent wreath, and how are they lit?
The four candles in an advent wreath hold deep significance within the Christian tradition, representing the four weeks leading up to Christmas and conveying a rich spiritual narrative. Each candle is lit sequentially on the four Sundays of Advent, and their colors and names symbolize various aspects of the Advent journey:
First Candle (Purple or Blue – Hope): Often called the “Prophet’s Candle,” it represents hope and expectation. It signifies the anticipation of the Messiah’s arrival as prophesied by the Old Testament prophets. On the first Sunday of Advent, this candle is lit.
Second Candle (Purple or Blue – Faith): Known as the “Bethlehem Candle,” it symbolizes faith and represents the journey of Mary and Joseph to Bethlehem, where Jesus was born. On the second Sunday of Advent, both the first and second candles are lit.
Third Candle (Pink or Rose – Joy): The “Shepherd’s Candle” signifies joy and rejoicing. It commemorates the joy experienced by the shepherds upon hearing the good news of Jesus’s birth. This candle is typically lit on the third Sunday of Advent.
Fourth Candle (Purple or Blue – Peace): Referred to as the “Angel’s Candle,” it represents peace. It symbolizes the angels who announced peace on Earth and the peace that Christ brings to the world. The fourth candle is lit on the fourth Sunday of Advent.
The center candle, often white, is called the “Christ Candle.” It remains unlit until Christmas Day, symbolizing the birth of Jesus, the Light of the World. On Christmas Day, this central candle is lit, signifying the culmination of the Advent season and the arrival of Christ.
The lighting of these candles, accompanied by scripture readings and prayers, serves as a visual and spiritual countdown to Christmas, allowing believers to reflect on the profound meaning of each aspect of the Advent journey.
Are there specific prayers or blessings associated with lighting the advent candles?
Yes, there are specific prayers and blessings associated with the lighting of the advent candles, adding a profound spiritual dimension to this cherished tradition. These prayers and blessings are often recited as each candle is lit during the four Sundays of Advent:
First Sunday (Hope): As the first candle, symbolizing hope, is lit, a prayer or blessing might be recited, focusing on the anticipation of Christ’s coming and the hope he brings into the world. A common prayer is:
“O God, we await with hope the coming of your Son, Jesus Christ. As we light this candle, may it remind us of the hope we have in you. Amen.”
Second Sunday (Faith): On the second Sunday, when the Bethlehem Candle representing faith is lit, a prayer or blessing emphasizes the importance of faith in the Christmas story. For example:
“Lord, our faith in you sustains us as we journey through Advent. May this candle remind us of the faith of Mary and Joseph as they traveled to Bethlehem. Amen.”
Third Sunday (Joy): As the Shepherd’s Candle symbolizing joy is lit on the third Sunday, prayers often express the joy of receiving the good news of Jesus’s birth:
“Heavenly Father, as we light this candle of joy, we rejoice in the good news of Christ’s coming. Fill our hearts with the joy that the shepherds felt that holy night. Amen.”
Fourth Sunday (Peace): On the fourth Sunday, when the Angel’s Candle representing peace is lit, prayers center on the peace that Christ brings to the world:
“God of peace, as we light this candle, we remember the angels’ message of peace on Earth. May the peace of Christ fill our hearts and homes this Advent season. Amen.”
These prayers and blessings help participants to meditate on the spiritual themes of each candle, fostering a sense of anticipation, reflection, and connection with the Christmas story throughout the Advent season.
Conclusion
The act of lighting an advent wreath is far more than a decorative tradition; it is a deeply spiritual and contemplative journey through the Advent season, rich with symbolism and meaning. Each element of the advent wreath – the circular evergreen wreath, the four candles of hope, faith, joy, and peace, and the central Christ Candle – contributes to a narrative of anticipation and preparation for the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ.
As we light each candle on the four Sundays leading up to Christmas, we engage in a visual and spiritual countdown, mirroring the centuries-old Christian tradition. Each candle, with its unique color and name, serves as a reminder of the virtues and themes that define the Advent season, such as hope, faith, and joy.
The prayers and blessings associated with lighting these candles deepen the experience, inviting us to reflect on the significance of Christ’s arrival and the peace he brings to our lives. The central Christ Candle, lit on Christmas Day, serves as the culmination of this spiritual journey, signifying the birth of the Light of the World.
Lighting an advent wreath is a sacred and cherished tradition that transcends denominational boundaries, inviting individuals and families to come together in prayer, reflection, and joyful anticipation during the holiday season. It is a tradition that fosters a deeper connection with the true meaning of Christmas, reminding us of the hope, faith, joy, and peace that Christ’s birth represents.
