Wreaths placed on walls and doors are made of evergreens and are circular to remind us of the eternity of God. These can be seen all over town and in homes. But there is a special kind of wreath that is a prominent fixture during Advent. Ir is appropriately called “The Advent Wreath.”
Advent wreaths are also made of greenery, but they are placed on a table or stand so that candles can be inserted, one for each Sunday of the season. The candles match the color of the season. The three blue [purple] candles symbolize the coming of Christ from the royal line of David. He is coming as the King of Kings as well as the Prince of Peace. There is traditionally one pink candle that is to be lighted on the THIRD Sunday of the Advent season. Historically, the third Sunday was known as GAUDETE, which in Latin means “rejoice.” That is why that candle is usually called the Joy candle, reminding us of the joy that was coming to the world with the birth of our Savior.
The candles fit well with the waiting aspect of the season. As the first Sunday in Advent arrives, we light the first candle, and light it all during that week as we gather around the wreath for worship or family devotions. Each Sunday after that we light an additional candle. When the fourth Sunday in Advent arrives, all four candles are lit. By lighting the candles in the Advent Wreath in this way, the flame of each new candle reminds us of a progression. We see how the first, second and third candle are all shorter that the fourth, reminding us of the passage of time and that we are closer to our goal. The candles on the Advent Wreath tell us that something is happening, that we are getting closer to the thing for which we have been waiting.
Different traditions have attached names to the each candle, but there is not universal acceptance of any of these traditions. One tradition calls them Prophecy, Bethlehem, Shepherds and Angels candles. Another calls them Hope, Peace, Joy and Love. Whatever the tradition, each candle symbolizes various aspects of our waiting experience.
Light one candle for hope, one bright candle for hope,
He brings hope to ev’ry heart, He comes! He comes!
Light one candle for peace, one bright candle for peace,
He brings peace to ev’ry heart, He comes! He comes!
Light one candle for joy, one bright candle for joy,
Ev’ry nation will find salvation in Bethl’em’s baby boy
Light one candle for love, one bright candle for love,
He brings love to ev’ry heart, He comes! He comes!
(Text by Natalie Sleeth)
