Advent Wreath: Meaning
The Advent Wreath is a very important symbol in the preparation for Christmas within the Catholic Church. It is used during the four weeks of Advent to mark the time of waiting for the arrival of Jesus. Its shape, colors and elements carry special meanings.
Structure and Meanings:
1. Circular shape: The crown is in the shape of a circle, which has no beginning or end. This symbolizes God's eternity and the infinite love He has for all of us.
2. Green branches: The green branches that decorate the crown represent hope and eternal life. Even in winter (in cold countries), green is a sign that life remains.
3. Four candles: On the wreath, there are four candles, one for each week of Advent. Each candle represents a fundamental virtue and is lit each Sunday, symbolizing the progressive arrival of the Light of Christ into the world:
• 1st candle (purple): Hope – reminds us of the promise of Jesus’ coming.
• 2nd candle (purple): Peace – represents the preparation of the heart to welcome Christ.
• 3rd candle (pink): Joy – symbolizes the proximity of the birth of Jesus. This Sunday is called “Gaudete”, which means rejoice.
• 4th candle (purple): Love – invites us to live the love of God and prepare for the arrival of His Son.
4. The fifth candle (optional): In some wreaths, there is a white candle in the center, which is lit at Christmas. It represents Jesus Christ, the Light of the World, who came to illuminate all darkness with his love.
The Spiritual Meaning
The Advent Wreath is an invitation to prayer and reflection. With each candle lit, we are called to prepare our hearts for the coming of Jesus. It reminds us that, just as candles illuminate the environment, Christ comes to illuminate our lives with hope, peace, joy and love.
Therefore, the Advent Wreath is not just a decoration, but a symbol full of faith and affection, which helps us to experience the true meaning of Christmas: the birth of Jesus Christ in our hearts.
Structure and Meanings:
1. Circular shape: The crown is in the shape of a circle, which has no beginning or end. This symbolizes God's eternity and the infinite love He has for all of us.
2. Green branches: The green branches that decorate the crown represent hope and eternal life. Even in winter (in cold countries), green is a sign that life remains.
3. Four candles: On the wreath, there are four candles, one for each week of Advent. Each candle represents a fundamental virtue and is lit each Sunday, symbolizing the progressive arrival of the Light of Christ into the world:
• 1st candle (purple): Hope – reminds us of the promise of Jesus’ coming.
• 2nd candle (purple): Peace – represents the preparation of the heart to welcome Christ.
• 3rd candle (pink): Joy – symbolizes the proximity of the birth of Jesus. This Sunday is called “Gaudete”, which means rejoice.
• 4th candle (purple): Love – invites us to live the love of God and prepare for the arrival of His Son.
4. The fifth candle (optional): In some wreaths, there is a white candle in the center, which is lit at Christmas. It represents Jesus Christ, the Light of the World, who came to illuminate all darkness with his love.
The Spiritual Meaning
The Advent Wreath is an invitation to prayer and reflection. With each candle lit, we are called to prepare our hearts for the coming of Jesus. It reminds us that, just as candles illuminate the environment, Christ comes to illuminate our lives with hope, peace, joy and love.
Therefore, the Advent Wreath is not just a decoration, but a symbol full of faith and affection, which helps us to experience the true meaning of Christmas: the birth of Jesus Christ in our hearts.