The Advent Wreath
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The Advent season is the start of the Liturgical Year when we thank God as we prepare for the joy-filled, anticipatory celebration of the birth of our Lord, Jesus Christ.
We recognize the preparation through the Advent Wreath, a circle of evergreen with four candles, one for each week of Advent. The circle symbolizes the everlasting love of God without beginning or end. The evergreen is the symbol of life that never ends.
The candles and their light tell us that Jesus is the light of the world and our light. The four candles remind us of the four weeks of Advent when Christians prepare themselves for Christmas. Each candle holds a special meaning and symbolizes a spiritual gift for us. We light a candle each week until we reach the end of Advent lighting all four.
The first purple candle we enlight is known as the Candle of Hope, also called the Prophet's Candle. The Prophets were messengers sent by God to bring the news of salvation to the people of Israel. The period of Advent invites us to prepare ourselves and to live in joyful hope for the Lord’s coming.
On the second Sunday we add the Candle of Preparation or the Bethlehem Candle. It is a symbol of God’s love. Jesus became present to us and to the world a long time ago in the town of Bethlehem. Thus, Bethlehem is the symbol of God’s love becoming real and active. Let us remember that God’s love for us continues every day. Let us make a resolution to spread God’s love among our family members, our friends and our parish community.
The lone pink candle is that of the Candle of Joy, also known as the Shepherd's Candle, which is lit on the third Sunday. It symbolizes joy for the coming of a new time in the history of God’s people. God chose the simple shepherds to be the very first to hear the announcement of His good news and to be the bearers of this message to all they would meet. The third candle reminds us that the joy of Christmas can be a real celebration for all peoples. Let us bring the good news of joy and encouragement to all we meet in our life.
Advent concludes the Sunday prior to Christmas when we lighten the fourth and last candle, the Candle of Love or the Angel’s candle. The angels were God’s messengers of the new hope, which brought light to the world. They revealed the good news that even till today fill our hearts with hope and courage. We should be like the Angels and be God’s messengers of light and hope.
The final is the white Christ Candle that is illuminated on the Eve of Christmas.
The Advent season not only is a time of preparation that directs our hearts and minds for the anniversary of Our Lord’s birth on Christmas but also the beginning of the liturgical year of the Church.
