07/12/2023
DECEMBER THE HOLY SEASON OF ADVENT
MARIAN CELEBRATIONS FOR THE MONTH OF DECEMBER
The Advent wreath is a symbol of the season, with a candle lit each of the four Sundays leading up to, and on Christmas Day. The four candles represent the four weeks of Advent, and one candle is lit each Sunday. Three of the candles are purple because the color violet is a liturgical color that signifies a time of prayer, penance, and sacrifice.
β’ FIRST SUNDAY OF ADVENTβHOPE
The first candle, which is purple, symbolizes hope. It is sometimes called the βProphecy Candleβ in remembrance of the prophets, especially Isaiah, who foretold the birth of Christ. It represents the expectation felt in anticipation of the coming Messiah.
β’ SECOND SUNDAY OF ADVENTβPEACE
The second candle, also purple, represents Peace. It is called the βBethlehem Candleβ as a reminder of Mary and Josephβs journey to Bethlehem.
β’ THIRD SUNDAY OF ADVENTβJOY
The third candle is pink and symbolizes joy. It is called the βShepherdβs Candle,β 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.
β’ FOURTH SUNDAY OF ADVENTβLOVE
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 βAngelβs Candle,β symbolizes Love. It reminds us that God is love.
β’WHITE CANDLE
Sometimes a white candle is placed in the middle of the wreath; this is a beautiful modern adaptation. The white candle is lit on Christmas Eve. This candle is called the βChrist Candleβ and represents the life of Christ. The color white is for purityβbecause Christ is our sinless, pure Savior.
