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Advent marks the beginning of the liturgical year for many Christian churches. It starts on the fourth Sunday before December 25, which is the Sunday starting from November 27 and ends on Christmas Day.
Advent is a time of expectant waiting and preparation for the celebration of the Birth of Jesus. For Christians, Advent is a reminder both of the original waiting that was done by the Hebrews for the birth of their Messiah as well as the waiting of Christians for Christ's return.
ADVENT WREATH: Many churches celebrate Advent with ‘Advent Wreaths.’ Although it is not quite known when the first Advent wreath was created, there are several stories as to its origin. Whatever the stories are, however, by the middle Ages, Christians adapted this tradition placing a new and Biblical meaning to the old custom.
Today, Advent wreathes are used as part of the Christians’ spiritual preparation for Christmas to remember Christ. In the Christians’ tradition the Advent wreath points to Jesus, the Light of the world (John 3:17-21). The circled evergreen wreath reminds believers that God our Father grants new and everlasting life in Jesus. The four candles in an Advent wreath emphasize the four weeks of penitence and preparation during the Advent season, as we eagerly await the coming of the Light of the world to bring new life and hope to the world.
In ancient times a garland wreath was placed on victors as a symbol of victory, for victories in conquests. Today, the Advent wreath reminds some Christians of ‘the crown of thorns’ that was placed on Jesus’ head, while others are reminded of ‘the crown of life’ that Jesus has won for us.
There are many interpretations of the Advent candles. In some traditions the candles stand for Hope, Love, Joy and Peace. Also, there are different interpretations in the use of colors of Advent candles (blue, purple, pink or rose, and white).
Traditionally, the candles are lit in the following order: purple, purple, pink, purple, and white.
1ST CANDLE (purple): The Candle of HOPE or PROPHECY Candle. We have hope that God is faithful and will keep the promises God made to us. The prophet Isaiah says, "The root of Jesse shall come, the one who rises to rule the Gentiles; in him the Gentiles shall hope." (Romans 15:12).
2ND CANDLE (purple): The Candle of PREPARATION, which means to ‘get ready’. God kept God’s promise of a Savior who would be born in Bethlehem. It is also called the BETHLEHEM candle. The prophet Isaiah says, “The voice of one crying out in the wilderness: 'Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight. Every valley shall be filled, and every mountain and hill shall be made low, and the crooked shall be made straight, and the rough ways made smooth; and all flesh shall see the salvation of God.” (Luke 3:4-6).
3RD CANDLE (pink or rose): The Candle of JOY or SHEPHERD Candle. The angels sang a message of JOY! Luke tells us, “And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in bands of cloth, and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn. In that region there were shepherds living in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. Then an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid; for see -- I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people: to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign for you: you will find a child wrapped in bands of cloth and lying in a manger." And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God and saying, "Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace among those whom he favors!" When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, "Let us go now to Bethlehem and see this thing that has taken place, which the Lord has made known to us." (Luke 2:7-15).
4TH CANDLE (purple): The Candle of LOVE or the ANGEL candle. The angels announced the good news of a Savior. God loved us so much that God sent his only begotten Son to earth to save us. John tells us, "For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life. Indeed, God did not send the Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.” (John 3:16-17).
5TH CNDLE (white): THE CHRIST CANDLE.
The white candle reminds us that Jesus is the spotless Lamb of God, sent to take away our sins. His birth was for his death, and his death was for our birth. John tells us, “The next day he (John the Baptist) saw Jesus coming toward him and declared, "Here is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world! (John 1:29).
O Emmanuel, Jesus Christ,
desire of every nation,
Savior of all peoples,
come and dwell among us. Amen.
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Resources: Living Hope
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