Advent is the name we give to the 24 days leading up to Christmas. Advent is all about waiting for something special, not just for Christ’s birth, but also for his second coming.
The Advent wreath is a circular wreath with evergreen boughs and four (or five) candles. It acts like a little calendar, lighting up each Sunday leading up to Christmas. On each Sunday a new candle is lit (along with the ones already lit on previous Sundays). Each candle represents a different part of the Christmas story.
THE FOURTH CANDLE of Advent represents LOVE, the ultimate love of God that He sent His only Son for us. It’s called the ‘Angel’s Candle,’ and we light it the Sunday before Christmas.
THE THIRD CANDLE of Advent represents Joy. This third candle reminds us of the joyful anticipation of the shepherds who traveled to Bethlehem to see Jesus. On the third Sunday of Advent, which the Church calls “Gaudete Sunday,” meaning rejoice, we light the third candle and celebrate like the shepherds. That is why the third candle of Advent is called the “Shepherd’s Candle,” and its colour is pink, which is the liturgical colour for joy.
THE SECOND CANDLE on the Advent wreath represents Peace. During this second week of Advent, we reflect on our lives and focus on becoming better christians in preparation for Jesus’ coming. We remember the journey Joseph and Mary took from Nazareth to Bethlehem. What has your journey toward Christmas been like so far?
THE FIRST CANDLE symbolises HOPE. It reminds us of all God has done and will do for humanity and the unshakable hope we carry within us, as we eagerly await the return of our saviour.
