Advent

Advent

What is Advent?

• Advent is the first season of the liturgical year in the Catholic Church.

• It always begins on the fourth Sunday before Christmas Day (which is also the Sunday closest to November 30th) and ends on Christmas Eve.

Candles

• One of the most well known symbols for advent is the wreath.

• The advent wreath consists of usually four candles, but some people add a fifth one.

The first candle, which is purple, symbolizes hope. It is sometimes called the “Prophecy Candle” in remembrance of the prophets, especially Isaiah, who foretold the birth of Christ.

The second candle, also purple, represents faith. It is called the “Bethlehem Candle” as a reminder of Mary and Joseph’s journey to Bethlehem.

The third candle is pink and symbolizes joy. It is called the “Shepard’s Candle,” and is pink because rose is a liturgical color for joy. The third Sunday of Advent is Gaudete Sunday and is meant to remind us of the joy that the world experienced at the birth of Jesus, as well as the joy that the faithful have reached the midpoint of Advent.

On the fourth week of Advent, we light the final purple candle to mark the final week of prayer and penance as we wait for the birth of our Savior. This final candle, the “Angel’s Candle,” symbolizes peace. It reminds us of the message of the angels: “Peace on Earth, Good Will Toward Men.”

The white candle is placed in the middle of the wreath and lit on Christmas Eve. This candle is called the “Christ Candle” and represents the life of Christ. The color white is for purity—because Christ is our sinless, pure Savior.

Colors

• The colors for Advent are

• Purple

• Blue

• Pink

Open Ended

What is the name of the additional white candle?