A MESSAGE FOR ADVENT SUNDAY
The Advent Wreath
As part of our spiritual preparations for the coming of Christ at Christmas, we celebrate the season with an Advent wreath, a circular garland of evergreen branches representing eternity. On this wreath we arrange four candles, three purple and one rose-colored, which reflect the color of the vestments worn by the priest on each of the four Advent Sundays. In a custom that originated in 16th-century Germany, we light one of the four candles on each of the Sundays of Advent. Each candle represents a different aspect of the Christmas message, and by reflecting on these, we prepare ourselves to receive that message in the right spirit.
THE PROPHECY CANDLE
Today, the very first day of Advent, we light the first purple candle. It is known as the Prophecy Candle in remembrance of the prophets who foretold the coming of the Messiah, notably the Prophet Isaiah, who predicted the birth of Christ: “Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Emmanuel.” (Isaiah 7:14)
THE BETHLEHEM CANDLE
On the second Sunday in Advent, the second purple candle is lit. It represents Love, and is traditionally known as the Bethlehem candle, symbolizing the manger radiating forth the light of our Savior in David’s royal city: “And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.” (Luke 2:12)
THE SHEPHERDS’ CANDLE
On Gaudete Sunday, the third in Advent, the rose-colored candle is lit. It is customarily called the Shepherds’ Candle, and represents Joy: “And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.” (Luke 2:8-11)
THE ANGELS’ CANDLE
The fourth and last Sunday in Advent sees the lighting of the last purple candle, which is often called the Angels’ Candle, and represents Peace: “And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward men.”
THE CHRIST CANDLE
In more modern times, a white candle is often placed in the center of the wreath, which represents Christ, the Light of the World, and which is lit at Midnight Mass. The color white symbolizes purity, in this case the sinless, spotless, pure Saviour.
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