What Does the Advent Wreath Symbolize?
The Advent Wreath is the central worship symbol of the Christian season of Advent, which are the four Sundays immediately preceding Christmas Day. The lighting of this wreath is observed by Catholics and many Protestant denominations. While Advent is an official part of the Eastern Orthodox Christian calendar, the wreath observance is not. Advent is Christianity's season of celebration of the coming birth of whom they understand to be humanity's savior--Jesus Christ.
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Candles
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This wreath has four purple (the liturgical color of Advent) candles usually encircled by evergreen leaves. Each candle represents a Sunday in the season of Advent. One candle is lit to mark the First Sunday in Advent. On the next Sunday, the first candle is re-lit and then also a second candle. This is done at the beginning of Sunday's worship service and repeated throughout Advent.
The Christ Candle
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Usually an Advent Wreath also has at its center a larger, white Christ or Paschal candle. This candle represents the person and saving work of Jesus himself. It is lit either at the beginning of a Christmas Eve service or on Christmas Day. Some Christ Candles are ornately decorated with other Christian symbols, like the dove or the cross.
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Scripture
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Traditionally, liturgy or worship readings are part of the ritualistic lighting of the Advent Wreath. Usually, readings from Hebrew biblical passages of the ancient prophets of Israel, like Isaiah and Jeremiah, are used.
Personal Devotion
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Some Christians have an Advent Wreath in their homes for personal devotional purposes. Churches often provide readings to members to use in their private observances.
Christmastide
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Generally, the Advent Wreath will remain in a church's worship space through the season of Christmastide. During this time, only the Christ Candle is lit.
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