The time of Advent gives us time to prepare for the coming of Jesus. At this holy time of year, between Thanksgiving and Christmas Day, Christians throughout the world honor the Christ Child by creating an Advent Wreath. Complete with purple, pink, and white candles, the wreath signifies all that is good and joyous about the Christmas season.
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1 Wreath (plastic or fresh evergreen)
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3 Purple Candles - pillar candle recommended
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1 Pink Candle - pillar candle recommended
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1 White Candle - pillar candle recommended
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5 Candle stands or plates
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1 Lighter or Matches
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1 Snuffer
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Step 1: Choosing A Wreath
An actual wreath isn’t necessary. You can arrange your candles in a simple circle, but it is possible to purchase wreaths with built-in candle stands. The green of the wreath, whether plastic or fresh cedar branches, nicely complements the colorful candles.
Step 2: Arranging The Candles
There should be three purple candles, one pink candle, and one white candle. The purple and pink candles should be arranged in a circle a circle around the white candle. Candle size doesn’t matter, but since you’ll be relighting these candles multiple times, larger, thicker candles last longer than thin tapers.
Step 3: First Sunday
On the first Sunday of Advent, light the first purple candle. This candle represents Hope. The colour purple represents royalty and celebrates the coming of the King. Many Christians use the lighting of the candles as a time of devotion and reflection. Reading a Bible verse or having a family or congregational devotion around the wreath is appropriate.
Step 4: Second Sunday
On the second Sunday of Advent, relight the first candle and light the second purple candle. This candle stands for Love. As this second candle is lit, it would be nice to thank God for his enormous love in sending his only Son to die for us.
Step 5: Third Sunday
The third Sunday of Advent is open to interpretation. Some families light the third purple candle. Others light the pink candle. If lighting the purple candle, Peace is the soothing emotion evoked. Light this candle after the re-lighting of the first and second candles. An appropriate Bible verse for devotion might be Isaiah 35:10.
Step 6: Fourth Sunday
On the fourth Sunday of Advent, light the pink candle (assuming you lit the last purple candle in Step 4 above). This candle represents Joy. The joy of Christmas, the coming of the Christ.
Step 7: Christmas Eve
Finally, on Christmas Eve, light the fifth and final candle. The white candle is for Christmas. The color symbolizes the angels who announced Christ’s birth and the coming resurrection of Jesus.
With all five candles burning on Christmas day, reflect upon the Hope, Love, Joy, and Peace of the Christmas season. It truly is an inspirational time of year.
Merry Christmas!
