The Meaning of the Four Advent Candles

Introduction to The Four Advent Candles

“I am the Light of the world, says the Lord; he who follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life,” (cf. John 8:12). In dark times such as ours, it is easy to forget that we have the Light with us – Jesus Christ. The season of Advent unlocks the longings of our hearts. This season reminds that God became man and dwelt among us. In His Son, Jesus Christ, He fulfills the desires of all hearts. He is our hope, peace, joy, and love. As St. Francis of Assisi exclaimed, “All the darkness in the world cannot extinguish the light of a single candle.”

Advent is the season of crying out, “maranatha, come Lord Jesus!” It is also a time of preparation, penance, and sacrifice. We remember the first coming to prepare for the second coming of Christ. A wonderful way of keeping holy the season is the Advent Wreath. The Advent Wreath consists of four candles representing the four weeks of Advent preparing our hearts for Christmas. As we go through Advent, the light grows as the number of lighted candles increases, drawing closer to the Light, in the form of a Star, shining brightly over the small town of Bethlehem.

There are four candles – three purple and one pink – representing 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." Through Advent we will discuss what each candle is called and the theme for the week. May the Advent Wreath help you grow closer to the Christ Child as we make our journey through each of the four weeks of Advent. Come, Lord Jesus!