Topic: Short reflection on the Advent Wreathe

Source of this posting: Newman Parish bulletin

Date originally posted: December 5, 2001

Moderator who originally posted this source: P.Leach

Question:  What  is the purpose of having an Advent Wreathe?  And why does it usually have a pink candle?  

Answer:

The Advent Wreath is one of the symbols of the Advent season.  The wreath itself, being a circle, represents eternity.  The greenery used to form the wreath is a sign of everlasting life.

Four candles are put in the wreath to represent each week of Advent.  Purple candles are used on the 1^st, 2^nd and 4^th weeks.  Purple is a symbol for  penitence and loyalty. For the 3^rd week of Advent, a pink candle is often used to symbolize hope and joy.  The 3^rd Sunday of Advent is called “Gaudete”, which means “Joy.”

As with many traditional practices, there is more than one interpretation of the Advent Wreath colors, etc.:

  “In many traditions, the four purple candles are said to represent hope, peace, joy, and love because these words reflect the coming of Christ to rule, to judge, and to save.  The candles may also represent light, faith, truth, and grace; or the prophets, Mary and Joseph, the angels, and the shepherds who prepared the way or told others of Jesus’ birth.  The large white candle in the center is the Christ candle.” (“ADVENT: Worship and Activities for Families” by Margaret Anne Huffman).

A short ceremony in which the family gathers at the table to light the wreath and say prayers is a wonderful family tradition; even the youngest child can participate and share in the family’s anticipation of  Jesus’ coming.