The Meaning of the Four Advent Candles
DIVE DEEPER
Jesus said, “I am the light of the world; he who follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”
There is plenty of darkness in this world. It seems to get closer every day. How we decide to deal with the darkness in our lives, in the world, and in our own souls is a life-defining decision.
Jesus is the light of the world…and he calls us to bring his light to the world. During Advent, the coldest and darkest time of the year, Catholics use a special Advent wreath with four candles to represent the light of Jesus in our hearts and homes. As Francis of Assisi said, “All the darkness in the world cannot extinguish the light of a single candle.”
The Four Advent Candles
Advent wreaths traditionally hold four candles (three are purple and one is pink). The candles represent Jesus coming as a light in the darkness. 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."
Each of the candles lit before Christmas represent an aspect of preparation during the season of Advent.
The First Week of Advent: December 1, 2024
Pray the Advent wreath prayer for Week One
Candle Name: The Prophecy Candle
The First Week of Advent Represents: Hope
Candle Color: Purple
Purple is the primary color associated with Advent. Within the Catholic Church it symbolizes penance, preparation, and sacrifice. During the first week of Advent we remember the Old Testament prophets who foretold of Jesus’ coming with hope and anticipation. Are you ready to discover the hope Jesus is inviting you to experience this Advent?
The Second Week of Advent: December 8, 2024
Pray the Advent wreath prayer for Week Two
Candle Name: The Bethlehem Candle
The Second Week of Advent Represents: Peace and Preparation
Candle Color: Purple
During this second week of Advent, we reflect on our lives and focus on becoming better-versions-of-ourselves in preparation for Jesus’ coming. We remember the journey Joseph and Mary took from Nazareth to Bethlehem. What has your journey toward Christmas been like so far?
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The Third Week of Advent: December 15, 2024
Pray the Advent wreath prayer for Week Three
Candle Name: The Shepherd's Candle
The Third Week of Advent Represents: Joy
Candle Color: Pink
This third candle is pink and symbolizes rejoicing. During the third week of Advent we are filled with joy for the near arrival of Jesus on Christmas day. This Sunday is often called "Gaudete Sunday" as we reflect on the joy the shepherd's felt at the birth of Jesus. How is Jesus inviting you to experience greater joy this Advent?
The Fourth Week of Advent: December 22, 2024
Pray the Advent wreath prayer for Week Four
Candle Name: The Angel's Candle
The Fourth Week of Advent Represents: Love
Candle Color: Purple
During this final week of Advent we rejoice in the endless love that God has for us, which is made apparent in the birth of his Son. We reflect on the good news of God's love brought to us from the angel Gabriel. This is the last week to prepare our hearts for the joy of Christmas. Are you ready?
“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”
–John 3:16
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