The Advent Wreath
Let there be Light!
One of the great ways that the Season of Advent is made visible to the faithful is by the presence in both Churches and homes of an Advent Wreath. You will probably see this holy symbol in many places in the weeks leading up to Christmas. The Advent wreath is a circular wreath decorated by the presence of four candles, three purple and one rose-colored. On the first Sunday of Advent, the first purple candle is lit; on the second, third and fourth Sundays additional candles are lit (with the rose-colored candle being lit on the third Sunday of Advent – Gaudete Sunday).
Is the Advent Wreath merely just a pretty decoration for the season?
No. The Advent Wreath carries a beautiful symbolism which, in the era of electric lights, is lost or muddied. You see, back in the era before electricity in homes, the Advent wreath provided – just as any candle would – light for a household. As the season of Advent progressed towards Christmas and additional candles on the wreath were lit, the wreath provided more and more light to that home. By the fourth week of Advent – with all four candles blazing – the wreath gave abundant light. This reminded the family in that home that as Christmas drew nearer, so to, did the coming of Christ, the light of world – lighting our darkness.
One of the great ways that the Season of Advent is made visible to the faithful is by the presence in both Churches and homes of an Advent Wreath. You will probably see this holy symbol in many places in the weeks leading up to Christmas. The Advent wreath is a circular wreath decorated by the presence of four candles, three purple and one rose-colored. On the first Sunday of Advent, the first purple candle is lit; on the second, third and fourth Sundays additional candles are lit (with the rose-colored candle being lit on the third Sunday of Advent – Gaudete Sunday).
Is the Advent Wreath merely just a pretty decoration for the season?
No. The Advent Wreath carries a beautiful symbolism which, in the era of electric lights, is lost or muddied. You see, back in the era before electricity in homes, the Advent wreath provided – just as any candle would – light for a household. As the season of Advent progressed towards Christmas and additional candles on the wreath were lit, the wreath provided more and more light to that home. By the fourth week of Advent – with all four candles blazing – the wreath gave abundant light. This reminded the family in that home that as Christmas drew nearer, so to, did the coming of Christ, the light of world – lighting our darkness.