What is the meaning of the Advent wreath?
November 29, 2009
This object helps us to focus our devotions to our Lord in this special season and is a circle of evergreens surrounding four candles; during our prayer time daily, one is to be lighted the first week, two the second week, three the third week, and four the fourth and last week before Christmas. On Christmas Eve, a candle representing the birth of Christ is lit in the center of the wreath.
The circle stands for the eternity of God.
The evergreens represent life and growth, as well as eternal life in Jesus Christ.
The candles symbolize the Light that has come into the world. Three are purple – the traditional color of Advent, signifying both a time of personal repentance and preparation for the coming of Christ and the color of royalty, as Christ is the heir of King David. One candle, traditionally lighted on the third Sunday of Advent, is pink – this is “joy” or “rose” Sunday, a time in the midst of a season of reflection to celebrate the event we are anticipating – Jesus’ return—as well as the event we celebrate—His birth!!! On Christmas Eve, a white candle, representing Christ, is lit in the center of the wreath. The wreath can be used all through the Christmas season, which ends on January 6th, Epiphany.
In our homes, the Advent Wreath may be placed on your dining table or in some other place where the family may gather round it. In the parish, it is most often placed on the pavement (floor) inside the sanctuary rail.
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[...] Eve, the Christ candle, the large white candle in the center will be lit. Everything about the Advent wreath has meaning, just as the entire season is filled with [...]