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Every year as Advent begins, a familiar sight greets us as we enter church: the Advent wreath takes its place near the altar, its unlit candles standing ready. In countless homes, families bring out or create their own wreaths, carrying this beautiful symbol of anticipation from the church into daily life. This simple circle of evergreen bearing four candles tells the story of our Advent journey - a story of growing light in the midst of winter's darkness, of patient waiting, and of the hope we place in Christ, the Light of the World.
Light Breaking Into Darkness
The prophet Isaiah tells us, "The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light" (Isaiah 9:2). This prophecy, which we hear during Advent, captures perfectly what we witness each week as we light another candle on our Advent wreath. Just as God gradually revealed His plan of salvation throughout history, the increasing light of our Advent wreaths shows us hope growing stronger as we near the celebration of Christ's birth.
In our modern world of instant illumination, where darkness disappears at the flip of a switch, it can be hard to grasp how profound the symbol of growing light would have been to our ancestors in faith. Yet when we gather in the gentle glow of Advent candles, whether at church or at home, something ancient and deep stirs in our hearts. We remember that we, too, walk in darkness until Christ's light breaks in.
A Circle of Endless Love
The wreath itself speaks to us before we even light the first candle. Its circular shape, with no beginning and no end, reflects the eternity of God and the everlasting life we are promised in Christ. The evergreen branches that form the wreath - whether real or artificial - stay green even in winter's cold, a sign of hope and the endurance of life even when the world seems dormant.
St. John tells us "God is love" (1 John 4:8), and the wreath's unbroken circle reminds us that God's love for us has no end. Like a wedding ring symbolizing endless commitment, the Advent wreath speaks of God's faithful promise, fulfilled in the coming of His Son.
The Four Candles: A Journey of Growing Light
Each Sunday of Advent, we light a new candle, and with each flame, the story deepens:
First Sunday: The Candle of Hope
This first purple candle, sometimes called the Prophecy Candle, remembers the prophets who kept hope alive through centuries of waiting. "The Lord himself will give you a sign," Isaiah proclaimed. "Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Emmanuel" (Isaiah 7:14). As we light this first candle, we join in that ancient hope.
Second Sunday: The Candle of Faith
The second purple candle, often called the Bethlehem Candle, recalls Mary and Joseph's journey of faith. Their trust in God's promise led them to Bethlehem, where prophecy would be fulfilled. "But you, O Bethlehem... from you shall come forth for me one who is to be ruler in Israel" (Micah 5:2).
Third Sunday: The Candle of Joy
The rose-colored candle marks Gaudete Sunday, when we shift from waiting to rejoicing. Like the shepherds who received the joyful news of Christ's birth, we are called to rejoice that our waiting is nearly over. "Rejoice in the Lord always," St. Paul tells us. "Again I will say, rejoice!" (Philippians 4:4).
Fourth Sunday: The Candle of Peace
The final purple candle, the Angel's Candle, completes our preparation. Soon we will celebrate the coming of the Prince of Peace, heralded by angels singing "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!" (Luke 2:14).
Bringing the Light Home
In our parishes, the lighting of the Advent wreath marks our communal journey toward Christmas. But this tradition shows its full beauty when we bring it into our homes. There, away from the rush of holiday preparations, families can gather in the quiet of evening. As darkness falls outside, the growing light of the wreath reminds us that Christ's light shines in our homes and hearts.
When children ask about the wreath's meaning, we have an opportunity to share the story of God's love and promise. Each candle becomes a chapter in that story, helping even the youngest members of our families understand the meaning of Advent waiting and Christmas joy.
A Living Tradition
The Advent wreath as we know it today emerged from the faith and creativity of Johann Hinrich Wichern, a 16th-century Lutheran minister working with children in Germany. His original design included many more candles, helping children count the days until Christmas. The Catholic Church recognized in this practice a beautiful way to mark the Advent season, adopting and adapting it into the four-candle form we know today.
More Than a Decoration
While the Advent wreath beautifies our churches and homes during this special season, its true purpose is to shape our spiritual journey. Each candle we light invites us deeper into the mystery of God's love. The growing light challenges us to become bearers of Christ's light in a world that still walks in darkness.
As we gather around our Advent wreaths, whether in the grandeur of our parish church or the familiar comfort of our homes, we participate in a tradition that connects us with Christians around the world and across generations. In its quiet way, the Advent wreath teaches us about waiting in hope, growing in faith, and trusting in God's promises. Most of all, it reminds us that even in the darkest times, Christ's light is coming into the world, and no darkness can overcome it.