Advent 2024

In the Advent season, five candles are typically used in an Advent wreath, each
representing specific themes associated with the anticipation of Christmas. Here is the
significance of the candles and the colors of each.
1. First Candle (Hope) Color: Purple
Meaning: This candle symbolizes hope and the anticipation of the coming Messiah.
Purple is traditionally associated with royalty and signifies the anticipation of the arrival
of Christ as the King.
2. Second Candle (Peace) Color: Purple
Meaning: The second candle represents peace, emphasizing the tranquility and harmony
that Christ brings to the world. Like the first candle, purple reflects a sense of
preparation and penance, as well as the regal nature of Jesus' kingship.
3. Third Candle (Joy) Color: Pink (or Rose)
Meaning: The third candle is associated with joy, celebrating the joy of Christ’s coming.
Pink symbolizes joy and is a shift from the somberness of Advent, marking the third
Sunday (Gaudete Sunday) as a time of joyful anticipation.
4. Fourth Candle (Love) Color: Purple
Meaning: The fourth candle stands for love, representing God’s love for humanity
through the gift of His Son. Purple again signifies preparation and the royal nature of
Jesus, as well as the depth of God's love.
5. Fifth Candle (Christ Candle) Color: White
Meaning: The Christ candle, lit on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day, symbolizes the arrival
of Jesus, the light of the world. White represents purity, holiness, and the brightness of
Christ’s coming, highlighting the significance of His birth.
These candles and their colors serve to guide reflections on hope, peace, joy, and love
during the Advent season, leading up to the celebration of Christmas.