The Advent wreath is a symbolic lighting of the journey to Christ's birth. The wreath is a circular garland of evergreen branches representing eternity. The wreath has five candles, each symbolizing an aspect of the spiritual journey as we prepare for Christ's 'return.'
Since Pentecost we have been in a time of contemplation with the Holy Spirit, while the birth of Christ represents his 'return' in the 'flesh and spirit' through our scriptural journey and celebration of faith, from Christmas to Pentecost. So advent allows us time to reflect and prepare for Christ's return, to reignite our hearts and refocus our mind to love and serve. We find hope that light always overcomes darkness.
Set on the branches, the circular garland, are four candles: three purple candles and one pink candle. In the center of the wreath sits a white candle. Together the five candles represent the coming of the light of Christ into the world.
First Sunday of Advent:
On the first Sunday of Advent, the first purple candle is lit. It is known as the 'Prophecy Candle' in remembrance of the prophets, who foretold of the birth of Christ and prepared the Hebrew people and the world for his light. This is a candle of HOPE, recalling the hope we have in Christ and expectation and anticipation of the coming Messiah. The candle calls us to remain alert and watch and actively wait for his return.
Readings (2013): Isaiah 2:1-5; Ps. 122; Romans 13:11-14; Matthew 24:36-44
http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/120113.cfm
Second Sunday of Advent:
On the second Sunday of Advent, the second purple candle is lit. This candle symbolizes love, and is called by some traditions as the "Bethlehem Candle," symbolizing Christ's manger. Manger means 'to eat,' Christ's love spiritually feeds us body and soul, sustaining our spirit in the Trinity.
Readings: Ps 72:1-7, 18-19; Isaiah 11:1-10; Romans 15:4-13; Matthew 3:1-12
http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/120813.cfm
Third Sunday of Advent:
On the third Sunday of Advent, the pink or rose-colored candle is lit. The pink candle is customarily called the 'Shepherds Candle' and it represents joy. Christ is our Shepherd, guiding us, the wayward sheep into his fold to protect, guide and love us through our stumbling and acceptance of his grace. Joy that we are redeemed and have an advocate in our Savior Jesus Christ, a savior who teaches us the paths of righteousness and forgives us our trespasses, while teaching us to understand the root of need for acceptance. The joy is grace and hope, but joy in the journey of faith, knowing that we may stumble and run from God, yet as our shepherd, Christ seeks out the lost and offers us hope, understanding and redemption - continual light out of the darkness.
Readings: Ps. 30-32; Haggai 2:1-19; Revelation 3:1-6; Matthew 24:1-14
http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/121513.cfm
Fourth Sunday of Advent:
The fourth Sunday of Advent, the last purple candle is lit. This is known as the 'Angels Candle' representing peace. Christ's provides us with peace in strife, hope in despair, love our of heartache. The peace of God's kingdom came to earth through is only son Jesus Christ.
Readings: Ps. 80: 1-7,1618; Isaiah 7:10-16; Romans 1:1-7; Matthew 1:18-25
http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/122213.cfm
The White Candle:
On Christmas Eve, the white center candle, known as the 'Christ Candle,' is traditionally lit. It is the light of life that Christ has brought to the world. Christ's life, death and resurrection pumps life into the world. The color white represents purity. Christ is the sinless, spotless, pure Savior. All that receive Christ as their Savior are washed of their sins and made whiter than snow.
Want to make your own advent wreath? Here is a helpful link:
http://www.catholicculture.org/culture/liturgicalyear/activities/view.cfm?id=954
Celebrating advent with your family, tips from the Anglican Communion:
http://anglicansonline.org/special/advent.html
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