CANDLE NAMES OF THE ADVENT WREATH
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ADVENT WREATH |
Have you ever
wondered what the names of the Advent Candles are?
The Advent wreath
is a circular garland of evergreen branches representing eternity, on which
four candles are arranged. Set on the branches of the wreath are four candles:
three purple candles and one rose candle. As a whole, these candles represent
the coming of the light of Christ into the world, and one candle on the wreath
is lit each Sunday as a part of the Advent services. Each candle represents an
aspect of the spiritual preparation for the coming of the Lord Jesus Christ.
On the first
Sunday of Advent, the first purple candle is lit. This candle is known as 'the
prophecy candle' in remembrance of the prophets, primarily Isaiah, who
foretold the birth of Christ. This candle represents hope or expectation in
anticipation of the coming Messiah.
The Catechism of the Catholic Church states:
'The gospel accounts understand the virginal conception of Jesus
as a divine work that surpasses all human understanding and possibility: “That
which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit," said the angel to Joseph
about Mary his fiancée. The Church sees here the fulfilment of the divine
promise given through the prophet Isaiah: "Behold, a virgin shall conceive
and bear a son." (Is 7:14)' (Para 497)
SECOND SUNDAY ADVENT BETHLEHEM CANDLE
On the second
Sunday of Advent, the second purple candle is lit. This candle is known
the 'Bethlehem candle', symbolising Christ's manger. It
represents love.
THIRD SUNDAY ADVENT SHEPHERD'S CANDLE
On the third
Sunday of Advent the rose-coloured candle is lit. This rose-coloured
candle is known called the 'Shepherds' candle' and it
represents joy.
FOURTH SUNDAY ADVENT ANGELS'S CANDLE
The final purple
candle is lit on the fourth Sunday of Advent, is known as the 'Angel's
candle', and represents peace.
Celebrating with
an Advent wreath during the weeks prior to Christmas is a great way to keep our
minds focused on Christ. In secular society, this time of the year is
often referred to as 'the silly season'. I hope this is not your
experience, but that your Advent journey is rather one of spiritual growth as
you take the journey to Bethlehem
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