What Is The Meaning Of The 4 Candles Of Advent?

Advent is a time of waiting and preparation that marks the beginning of the Liturgical year. Beginning on the fourth Sunday before Christmas, it anticipates the coming of our Savior both in history and at the end of time when Jesus comes again.

During this time, Catholics usually light the four candles in the Advent wreath, each candle representing the four weeks of Advent. Except for the rose-colored candle on the third week, all the rest are colored purple in observance of the liturgical color for penance and prayer.

Here are the four candles of Advent with reflection and a related Bible verse:

1. First Week of Advent – Hope (The Prophecy Candle)

“The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; Upon those who lived in a land of gloom a light has shone. You have brought them abundant joy and great rejoicing.” – Isaiah 9:1-2 (NABRE)

It is but fitting that the very first candle be that of hope. Advent is the time when we hope for Christ’s coming. And the light that we see symbolizes that hope.

Hope often comes to us when it is darkest. It shines its light and reminds us that not all is lost. May this candle point us to Christ and remind us to hope in Him when everything else grows dim.

2. Second Week of Advent – Peace (The Bethlehem Candle)

“And Joseph too went up from Galilee from the town of Nazareth to Judea, to the city of David that is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and family of David, to be enrolled with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child. While they were there, the time came for her to have her child, and she gave birth to her firstborn son. She wrapped him in swaddling clothes and laid him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.” – Luke 2:4-7 (NABRE)

This candle reminds us of the prophetic birth of Jesus Christ in Bethlehem. It also tells us that our Savior is also the Prince of Peace.

There can be no peace in the world nor in our lives unless we turn to Him. Let us therefore turn away from everything that could ever keep us away from our Lord.

3. Third Week of Advent – Joy (The Sheperd’s Candle)

“The angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid; for behold, I proclaim to you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For today in the city of David a savior has been born for you who is Messiah and Lord.’” – Luke 2:10-11 (NABRE)

The rose-colored candle of joy is lighted on Gaudete Sunday. Gaudete comes from the Latin word that means “Rejoice”.

We are told to rejoice because Christ is soon to come. Christmas is very near, and we should be ready. Let us welcome Him with true gladness in our hearts!

4. Fourth Week of Advent – Love (The Angel’s Candle)

“For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him might not perish but might have eternal life.” – John 3:16 (NABRE)

It was an angel who announced to Mary that she would bear the Messiah. Jesus Christ will be born to save humanity out of God’s great love for us. There is no greater love. And there is no greater happiness than allowing ourselves to love and to be loved by God.

Preparing for Christmas

Lightning the candles on the Advent wreath is one way to prepare our hearts during this Christmas season. As we light each candle, let us recall what they symbolize and reflect upon their meaning in relation to Christ’s coming into the world. Christ has already come and will come again. Let us also let Him come into our hearts.

Christ is the Light that each candle represents, the Light that has come into the world to save us and bring us out of darkness.

“What came to be through him was life,
and this life was the light of the human race;
the light shines in the darkness,
and the darkness has not overcome it.”
– John 1:3-5 (NABRE)

Jocelyn Soriano is the author of 366 Days of Compassion. You may want to start your day by reading this devotional book to inspire you and lead you to prayer.

Where is God? God is with us, but we often do not know where to look and so we do not see. God is there, pursuing us, waiting for us to take the time to call on Him in our helplessness, in the routine of our daily lives. He is the one who will fill our lives with meaning and our hearts with hope and love.