What do the four candles of Advent symbolize?

The candles on the Advent wreath symbolize hope, love, joy and peace. Some denominations consider the fourth candle to mean purity, and most use a fifth candle , called the Christ candle , that is lit on Christmas to remind Christians of the light Jesus brings to the world.

What is the correct order of the Advent candles?

Three candles are purple or blue and one is rose or pink. The first candle represents hope. The second candle peace. The pink candle , generally lit on the third Sunday of Advent , represents joy.

Why are Advent candles pink and purple?

To reinforce the symbolism of the liturgical vestments worn by priests, Catholics swapped the red candles for three purple candles –the color typically associated with penance–and one pink , the color of rejoicing worn on the third Sunday of Advent . …

What are the 4 themes of Advent?

The four traditional advent themes for the four advent Sundays are: God’s people -The Candle of Hope . Hope is like a light shining in a dark place. The old testament prophets – The Candle of Peace. John the Baptist – The Candle of Love. Mary the mother of Jesus – The Candle of Joy .

What are the 4 colors of the Advent candles?

The three Advent candle colors— purple , pink, and white—symbolically represent the spiritual preparation that believers undergo to prepare their hearts for the birth (or coming) of the Lord, Jesus Christ.

What does the pink candle in Advent mean?

The Advent wreath, four candles on a wreath of evergreen, is shaped in a perfect circle to symbolize the eternity of God. Other churches prefer three purple or blue candles with one candle being rose or pink , to represent joy.

Why is 1 pink and 3 purple?

A candle is lit on each of the four Sundays preceding Christmas. Three candles are purple and one is rose or pink . The first candle represents hope. The second candle peace.

What week is the pink candle in Advent?

One of the candles surrounding the Christ Candle in the Advent wreath is rose coloured for Gaudete Sunday , the beginning of the third week in Advent.

What are the Advent symbols?

The Advent wreath , a circular wreath with four candles , ispresent in many churches and homes during Advent and is symbolic ofseveral aspects of the Christmas season and Advent. Three purple or bluecandles (representing penitence) and one pink candle (representing joy) areused, one lit for each Sunday of Advent.

Is Advent a Catholic tradition?

Advent is the beginning of the liturgical year in Western Christianity. In the Ambrosian Rite and the Mozarabic Rite of the Catholic Church, Advent begins on the sixth Sunday before Christmas, the Sunday after St. Martin’s Day (11 November).

Why is purple used in Advent?

The colour associated with Advent is purple , which in ancient times was the colour of royalty because purple dye was costly and rare. So the liturgical colour of Advent is a symbol of looking forward to welcoming the coming of a King.

Why does the Catholic Church use purple during Advent?

Purple : Worn during the Advent and Lent seasons, purple reflects sorrow and suffering. Sorrow as the faithful await the arrival of the Savior and suffering to mark Jesus Christ’s 40 days in the desert (Lent). The color also came to symbolize wealth, power and royalty because in antiquity purple dye was very expensive.

What day is Jesus birthday?

December 25

What do you say when lighting Advent candles?

After sharing, the first purple or a blue candle is lit and all say , All: One candle , burning bright, Chasing away the darkness from light . One candle , glowing light , The blessing of God, giving new sight.

How do you light the Advent candles?

Light the Appropriate Number of Candles In the third week of Advent (beginning with Gaudete Sunday), light two purple candles and one rose candle . In the fourth week, light all four candles . Many families have adopted the following custom: The youngest child lights the candle in the first week.