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Religious Education & Faith Life

As we get ready for Christmas we are preparing ourselves for the birth of Jesus. As busy as this time of year is, the Advent Season reminds us to slow down and prepare for Christmas by focusing on faith, love, and the joy of welcoming Christ into our lives. As Catholics, one way we signify the Advent Season is through the Advent Wreath. 

 

The Advent Wreath is a circle of evergreen leaves with four candles, three purple and one pink. A fifth candle may also be placed in the centre of the wreath. This is a white candle, the Christ candle, lit on Christmas Eve.

 

The wreath and candles are full of symbolism. The wreath itself, which is made of various evergreens, signifies continuous life. The circle of the wreath, which has no beginning or end, symbolises the everlasting life people find in Jesus. The four candles on the wreath also have special symbolism:

  • The first candle which is purple symbolises hope and is called the “Prophet’s Candle.” The prophets of the Old Testament, especially Isaiah, waited in hope for the Messiah’s arrival.
  • The second candle which is purple represents faith and is called “Bethlehem’s Candle.” Micah had foretold that the Messiah would be born in Bethlehem, which is also the birthplace of King David.
  • The third candle which is pink symbolises joy and is called the “Shepherd’s Candle.” To the shepherd’s great joy, the angels announced that Jesus also came for humble, unimportant people like them. In liturgy, the colour rose signifies joy. The third Sunday of Advent is Gaudete Sunday and reminds people of the joy that the world experienced at the birth of Jesus, as well as the joy that people have reached the midpoint of Advent. Gaudete Sunday calls people to rejoice in hope.
  • The fourth candle which is purple represents peace and is called the “Angel’s Candle.” The angels announced that Jesus came to bring peace. Jesus came to bring people closer to God and to each other again.
  • The (optional) fifth candle represents light and purity and is called “Christ’s Candle.” It is placed in the middle and is lit on Christmas Day.