What Do Advent Candles Mean: Symbolism & Prayers
Have you ever wondered what those candles in church really mean during December? The Advent wreath is more than a pretty decoration.
It’s a sacred tradition that helps Christians prepare their hearts for Christmas. Each week, families light another candle and watch the light grow brighter.
The four candles represent Hope, Peace, Joy, and Love, gifts that Jesus brings into our world. As the glow increases, so does our anticipation of celebrating the Savior’s birth.
This simple ritual connects us to centuries of believers who also waited with expectant hearts.
In this guide, you’ll learn the deep meaning behind each candle, how to use an Advent wreath at home, and prayers to enrich your Christmas season.
What is an Advent Wreath?
The Advent wreath is a cherished Christian symbol that helps believers prepare their hearts for Christmas.
This simple yet powerful tradition uses evergreen branches formed into a circle, holding four candles that are lit one by one each Sunday before Christmas.
The wreath reminds us that Christ is the Light of the World, bringing hope into the darkness.
As families gather each week to light another candle, read Scripture, and pray together, they build anticipation for the Savior’s birth.
It’s more than decoration. It’s a spiritual countdown that draws us closer to the true meaning of Christmas.
Symbolic Meaning of the Advent Wreath
- The circle represents eternity and God’s love, which has no beginning or end.
- Evergreens show us the promise of eternal life and spiritual renewal through Christ.
- Candles symbolize Jesus as the Light breaking through the darkness of our world.
- Gradual lighting mirrors our growing excitement and readiness as Christmas approaches.
The Four Advent Candles and Their Meanings
Ready to learn the Advent candle meaning? Each Advent candle tells a story of faith and anticipation. Lighting them week by week helps us prepare our hearts for the celebration of Christ’s birth. As the light grows brighter with each Sunday, so does our readiness to welcome the Savior.
1. The First Candle: The Candle of Hope (Prophecy Candle)
- Color: Purple
- Meaning: This candle represents the hope of the prophets who foretold the Messiah’s coming. It reminds us that God keeps His promises, even in dark times.
- Symbolism: Trust in God’s promises and the light that will overcome darkness.
- Reading Suggestion: Isaiah 9:2, 6–7 — “The people walking in darkness have seen a great light.”
2. The Second Candle: The Candle of Peace (Bethlehem Candle)
- Color: Purple
- Meaning: This candle reminds us of the peace that Christ brings to our troubled world. It calls us to quiet our hearts and make room for the Prince of Peace.
- Symbolism: A call to prepare our hearts and welcome the Savior with open arms.
- Reading Suggestion: Luke 2:13 14 — “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward men.”
3. The Third Candle: The Candle of Joy (Shepherd’s Candle)
- Color: Pink (Rose)
- Meaning: This bright pink candle celebrates the joy of Christ’s coming and the good news the angels brought to the shepherds. It marks a joyful pause in our waiting, reminding us that Christmas is almost here.
- Symbolism: Rejoicing in the nearness of our Savior and the gladness He brings.
- Reading Suggestion: Luke 2:10 11 — “I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people.”
4. The Fourth Candle: The Candle of Love (Angel’s Candle)
- Color: Purple
- Meaning: This final purple candle symbolizes God’s immeasurable love revealed through the birth of His Son. It reminds us that love is the heart of the Christmas story.
- Symbolism: The pure, selfless love that unites heaven and earth in one holy moment.
- Reading Suggestion: John 3:16 — “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son.”
Optional: The Fifth Candle: The Christ Candle
- Color: White
- Meaning: This white candle represents Jesus Christ, the Light of the World. It stands in the center of the wreath, shining brightest of all.
- When Lit: On Christmas Eve or Christmas Day, when we celebrate His birth.
- Reading Suggestion: John 8:12 — “I am the light of the world.”
What are the Advent Wreath Candle Colors?
Understanding the colors of Advent candles helps us grasp the deeper meaning behind this tradition. Each color carries its own spiritual significance and guides us through the weeks leading to Christmas.
| Candle Color | Represents | Meaning in Advent |
|---|---|---|
| Purple (Violet) | Royalty & Repentance | Preparation and penitence before the coming King. |
| Pink (Rose) | Joy & Rejoicing | Marks the joyful third week, Gaudete Sunday. |
| White | Purity & Light | Symbolizes the birth and purity of Christ. |
Prayers for Lighting the Advent Wreath Candles
These prayers and Scripture readings help us center our hearts on Christ during the busy holiday season. Each week brings a new theme and a deeper understanding of what Christ’s coming means for our lives.
Week 1: The Candle of Hope (Prophecy Candle)
Reading: Isaiah 9:2, 6–7
Prayer:
“Heavenly Father, as we light this first candle, we remember the hope You give to all who trust in You. In the darkness of our world, Your light shines with promise and peace. May this candle remind us that Christ, our Light, is coming soon. Fill our hearts with hope and prepare us to welcome Your Son with faith and joy. Amen.”
Reflection: Take a moment to reflect on areas of your life where you need hope. Trust that God’s promises are true and His light will come.
Week 2: The Candle of Peace (Bethlehem Candle)
Reading: Luke 2:13–14; Philippians 4:6–7
Prayer:
“Lord of Peace, as we light this candle, we remember the angels’ song of peace on earth. Calm our anxious hearts and quiet our minds. Teach us to be peacemakers in our homes, in our community, and in our world. May Your peace guard our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus, as we prepare for His coming. Amen.”
Reflection: Consider one relationship or situation where you can be a peacemaker this week. Let God’s peace flow through you to others.
Week 3: The Candle of Joy (Shepherd’s Candle)
Reading: Luke 2:10–11; Psalm 98:4–6
Prayer:
“God of Joy, we light this pink candle with thankful hearts. You are the source of our gladness and the reason we rejoice. Even in difficult times, Your joy strengthens us. As we prepare for Christmas, fill us with joy that overflows into kindness, laughter, and love for others. Let our lives shine with the joy of Your presence. Amen.”
Reflection: What brings you joy this Advent season? Thank God for His blessings and share that joy with someone who needs encouragement.
Week 4: The Candle of Love (Angel’s Candle)
Reading: John 3:16; 1 John 4:9–11
Prayer:
“Gracious God, this candle reminds us of Your love—a love that sent Jesus into our world to bring light and life. As we light this fourth candle, may we open our hearts to receive Your love anew. Help us to share that love with everyone we meet, through words, compassion, and grace. Let Your love be born in us today and always. Amen.”
Reflection: Think of someone who needs to experience God’s love through you. Plan to show them kindness or spend time with them this week.
Christmas Eve or Christmas Day (The Christ Candle)
Reading: John 1:1–5; John 8:12
Prayer:
“Light of the World, on this holy night we celebrate Your birth. You have come to bring light into darkness and life into our hearts. As we light the Christ candle, may it remind us that You are Emmanuel—God with us. Dwell within us and shine through us, that Your love and light may fill the world. Amen.”
Reflection: Celebrate the birth of Jesus and thank God that the waiting is over. Christ has come, and His light shines in you today.
How to Use an Advent Wreath at Home
As we understand the meaning behind each candle and color, the next step is to bring this sacred tradition into our homes through prayerful reflection and practice.
- Arrange four candles (three purple, one pink) in a circular wreath of evergreens. Place the candles evenly around the wreath so each one is easy to reach and light.
- Place a white Christ candle in the center. This central candle will be lit on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day to represent Jesus.
- Each Sunday of Advent, light one additional candle. Start with one candle the first week, then add another each Sunday until all four are glowing.
- Read the suggested Scripture and prayer together. Gather your family to read the Bible passage and pray before or after a meal.
- Reflect as a family on the week’s theme, hope, peace, joy, or love. Talk about what each theme means and how you can live it out during the week.
The Spiritual Message Behind the Advent Wreath
The meaning of Advent candles goes beyond decoration; it’s a message of hope fulfilled in Christ. The wreath’s evergreens remind us of eternal life that never fades.
The candles’ growing light reflects God’s presence growing stronger in our hearts each week. The white Christ candle symbolizes fulfillment, the Light that no darkness can overcome.
Through this sacred ritual, Christians remember that Advent is not only about waiting for Christmas
Day, but also about preparing for Christ’s daily coming into our lives. It teaches us to watch, wait, and welcome Jesus not just once a year, but every single day.
Final Thoughts
Each week of Advent draws us closer to the heart of Christmas. The four candles, Hope, Peace, Joy, and Love, are not merely symbols but steps in our spiritual preparation.
When we light the Christ candle, we remember that the waiting is over: the Savior has come, and His light still shines through us today.
This ancient tradition transforms our busy December into a season of reflection and worship. As you light your Advent wreath this year, let each flame remind you of God’s faithfulness and love.
Ready to start your own Advent tradition? Gather your family, prepare your wreath, and begin this meaningful countdown to Christmas.
Share your Advent experience in the comments below and inspire others to celebrate the true light of the season.
