The Advent Wreath

It is one of my favorite times of the Christian year.  It is Advent.  Do you know what the Advent wreath stands for?  The Advent wreath is a Christian tradition that symbolizes the passage of the four weeks of Advent.  It is a circular candle holder that typically holds five candles.  During the season of Advent one candle on the wreath is lit each Sunday until all of the candles, including the fifth candle, are lit on Christmas Day. Each candle represents an aspect of the spiritual preparation for the celebration of the birth of our Lord, Jesus Christ.  Most Advent wreaths use three colors of candles – purple, pink, and white. However, some may use blue in place of the purple.

• 1st CANDLE – (purple) THE PROPHECY CANDLE or CANDLE OF HOPE – We can have hope because God is faithful and will keep the promises made to us. Our hope comes from God. (Romans 15:12-13)
• 2nd CANDLE – (purple) THE BETHLEHEM CANDLE or THE CANDLE OF PREPARATION – God kept his promise of a Savior who would be born in Bethlehem. (Luke 3:4-6)
• 3rd CANDLE – (pink) THE SHEPHERD CANDLE or THE CANDLE OF JOY – The angels sang a message of JOY! To the shepards in the field and they came to see. (Luke 2:7-15)
• 4th CANDLE – (purple) THE ANGEL CANDLE or THE CANDLE OF LOVE – The angels announced the good news of a Savior.  God sent his only Son to earth to save us, because he loves us! (John 3:16-17
• 5th CANDLE – (white) “CHRIST CANDLE” – The white candle reminds us that Jesus is the spotless lamb of God, sent to wash away our sins! His birth was for his death, his death was for our birth! (John 1:29 ) (John 3:1-8)
  My hopes are that this Christmas you will light a fire of hope in your heart and keep it burning always.  May God Bless You and Yours during this Christmas season.
  Blessings,   Karen