Advent, a season of anticipation and preparation for the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ, is marked by a variety of traditions and symbols. Among the most significant of these symbols are the Advent candles, which are lit on each Sunday leading up to Christmas and on Christmas Eve. Each of these candles has a specific name, color, and significance that reflect the themes of Advent. Understanding the meaning behind each candle can deepen the spiritual experience of this season. In this article, we will explore the five Advent candles, their names, symbolism, and the profound messages they convey.
The First Candle: The Prophecy Candle (Hope)
The first candle of Advent is often referred to as the Prophecy Candle, symbolizing hope. This candle is typically purple, a color that signifies penance, preparation, and royalty. The Prophecy Candle reminds us of the prophecies of the Old Testament, especially those of Isaiah, who foretold the coming of the Messiah. Lighting this candle signifies the anticipation and hope we have in the coming of Christ.
Biblical References and Symbolism
The prophecy of Isaiah 9:2 is often associated with this candle: “The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned.” This scripture reflects the hope and expectation that the people of Israel held for the coming of a Savior who would bring light into a dark world.
The Prophecy Candle also calls Christians to reflect on the hope they have in Christ. Just as the Israelites awaited the Messiah, Christians await the second coming of Christ. This candle serves as a reminder to live in hope and anticipation, trusting in God’s promises.
The Second Candle: The Bethlehem Candle (Faith)
The second candle of Advent is known as the Bethlehem Candle, representing faith. It is also purple, maintaining the theme of preparation and penance. The name “Bethlehem Candle” draws attention to the humble birthplace of Jesus, emphasizing the faith journey of Mary and Joseph as they traveled to Bethlehem and trusted in God’s plan.
Journey to Bethlehem
Luke 2:4-5 describes the journey: “So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child.” The faith of Mary and Joseph is a central theme during the second week of Advent. Their journey was fraught with uncertainty, yet they trusted in God’s guidance and provision.
The Bethlehem Candle encourages believers to reflect on their own faith journey. It prompts a consideration of how faith can guide one through life’s uncertainties, reminding Christians to trust in God’s plan, just as Mary and Joseph did.
The Third Candle: The Shepherd’s Candle (Joy)
The third candle is the Shepherd’s Candle, which stands out as it is pink rather than purple. This change in color signifies a shift in the mood of the Advent season from penance to joy. The Shepherd’s Candle represents the joy that the birth of Jesus brings to the world. It is lit on the third Sunday of Advent, known as Gaudete Sunday, which means “rejoice” in Latin.
Message to the Shepherds
The story of the shepherds in Luke 2:8-11 encapsulates the joy symbolized by this candle: “And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.'” The shepherds, upon hearing the angel’s proclamation, were filled with joy and hurried to see the newborn Messiah.
Lighting the Shepherd’s Candle is a reminder of the joy that comes with the news of Jesus’ birth. It calls Christians to find joy in their faith and to spread this joy to others, mirroring the shepherds’ response to the angel’s message.
The Fourth Candle: The Angel’s Candle (Peace)
The fourth candle, the Angel’s Candle, symbolizes peace and is also purple. This candle represents the message of peace that the angels brought to the world. The lighting of this candle on the fourth Sunday of Advent reflects the culmination of the Advent season, leading up to the birth of Jesus.
Angels’ Proclamation of Peace
Luke 2:13-14 highlights the message of peace: “Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, ‘Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.'” The angels announced the birth of Jesus, bringing a message of peace to all humanity.
The Angel’s Candle calls believers to reflect on the peace that Jesus brings. It serves as a reminder of the peace that comes from knowing Christ and the peace that he offers to the world. Lighting this candle is a call to embody and share this peace in our own lives and communities.
The Fifth Candle: The Christ Candle (Light and Purity)
The final candle, the Christ Candle, is white and is lit on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day. The white color symbolizes the purity and light of Christ. This candle is placed at the center of the Advent wreath, signifying that Christ is the center of the season and the light of the world.
Jesus as the Light of the World
John 1:4-5 speaks to the significance of the Christ Candle: “In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” This passage emphasizes the role of Jesus as the bringer of light, dispelling the darkness of sin and death.
Lighting the Christ Candle signifies the culmination of the Advent season and the celebration of Jesus’ birth. It represents the fulfillment of God’s promise and the arrival of the Savior. The Christ Candle serves as a reminder of the purity, light, and redemption found in Christ, encouraging believers to carry this light into the world.
The Advent Wreath: A Symbolic Tradition
The Advent wreath, with its five candles, is rich in symbolism. Each element of the wreath has significance:
1. The Wreath: The circular shape of the wreath symbolizes God’s infinite love and the eternal life that comes through Jesus.
2. Evergreens: The use of evergreen branches represents the hope of eternal life.
3. Four Candles: The four candles on the outer ring represent the four weeks of Advent, each with a unique theme—hope, faith, joy, and peace.
4. The Central Candle: The Christ Candle at the center of the wreath symbolizes the centrality of Christ in the season and in the lives of believers.
The tradition of the Advent wreath dates back to the 16th century among German Lutherans and has since been adopted by many Christian denominations worldwide. The progressive lighting of the candles each week builds a sense of anticipation and preparation for the coming of Christ.
Conclusion
The five Advent candles—Prophecy, Bethlehem, Shepherd’s, Angel’s, and Christ—each play a crucial role in the observance of Advent. They guide believers through themes of hope, faith, joy, peace, and the ultimate light of Christ. By understanding the meaning and symbolism behind each candle, Christians can deepen their spiritual preparation and reflection during the Advent season. As the light of each candle grows brighter, so too does the anticipation of the birth of Jesus, the light of the world. This cherished tradition not only enriches the Advent season but also serves as a profound reminder of the foundational truths of the Christian faith.
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