Meaning behind the Advent wreath
The Advent wreath is a symbol of waiting with anticipation. How did this symbol of Advent come to be? The history books don’t provide a clear picture, however, the story of a Lutheran minister using a wreath of 24 red candles as a way of marking the days down to Christmas for children is a favorite story.
The Advent wreath that we use today is no longer 24 red candles. It contains three purple and one rose candle along the edge of the wreath, and one white candle in the center. The wreath is a circle made from evergreens, symbolizing everlasting life, which Christ gives us. The four candles that count down to December 24 are purple and rose. Purple is the liturgical color for Advent. The one rose candle is there to remind us that we are indeed in joyful preparation for Christ’s birth.
With the lighting of the first purple candle on the first Sunday of Advent, the light starts to emanate from the wreath. We are reminded that Christ is the light of the world amid the darkness of sin and death. This Sunday, we are reminded that we are hopeful for Christ’s coming. The lighting of this first candle is my favorite part of Advent. It is the hope-filled prayer that Christmas preparations are more than gifts under a tree, that these preparations are for the coming of our Lord into our humanity.
On the second Sunday of Advent, we light another purple candle alongside the first one that was lit the Sunday prior. This Sunday focuses on peace. With this light, we pray for the peace of Christ to fill our hearts and world.
The rose-colored candle is lit on the third Sunday of Advent. We are reminded that this is also a joy-filled season, not just one of the penitential preparations. As with the other candles, the prior week’s candles are lit, and we receive more light in our darkness. It is with joy that we prepare our hearts to receive Christ.
We return to a purple candle on the fourth Sunday of Advent. It is love that brings us back to penitential preparations for Christ’s arrival. It is with love that God gives us Christ and love that we worship Him.
The final candle that is lit is the Christ candle. It is lit on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day along with the other candles. This candle is white to mark the season of Christmastide. White is the color of the liturgical season which lasts until Epiphany on January 6.
Having a family Advent wreath is a great way to incorporate what is done at church with what we do at home. Children and adults come together to light the candles, talk about their meaning and say a prayer together. You can also take time to watch the flames dance with a meditative mindset to prepare for Christmas. Listening or singing “O Come Emmanuel” is a great way to incorporate music into your Advent prayers of preparation for the birth of Christ Jesus.
About the author:
Katrina Marie Meacham served as coordinator in the First Church Tulsa communications department from 2022-23. Previously, she earned an M.Div from Perkins School of Theology at SMU. She has served as a youth minister and has over 10 years of communications experience at Woodland Hills Mall and Tots to Tweens.