ADVENT SYMBOLS
Advent means "coming" and Advent is here. It is a time of both eager and solemn expectation for the coming of Christ as Christmas. It marks the beginning of the Christian year.
Advent wreaths originated in northern Europe among the Lutherans in the 19th century. The circular shape symbolizes God's endless mercy or eternity that has no beginning or end.
The four candles in the wreath represent the four Sundays in Advent. Three of these candles are purple, the color of penitence. One of the purple candles is lit on the first Sunday of Advent to symbolize the coming of the light of Christ. The fourth candle is rose, representing purity or joy, and it is usually lit on the third Sunday in Advent.
A fifth candle, which is larger than the others and is placed in the center of the wreath, is the Christ or Christmas candle. It is lit on Christmas Eve.
As persons would prepare for anyone who is coming, a Christian prepares himself for Christ's coming during Advent by laying aside selfishness and unkind thoughts by directing himself to the needs of others.
Advent wreaths originated in northern Europe among the Lutherans in the 19th century. The circular shape symbolizes God's endless mercy or eternity that has no beginning or end.
The four candles in the wreath represent the four Sundays in Advent. Three of these candles are purple, the color of penitence. One of the purple candles is lit on the first Sunday of Advent to symbolize the coming of the light of Christ. The fourth candle is rose, representing purity or joy, and it is usually lit on the third Sunday in Advent.
A fifth candle, which is larger than the others and is placed in the center of the wreath, is the Christ or Christmas candle. It is lit on Christmas Eve.
As persons would prepare for anyone who is coming, a Christian prepares himself for Christ's coming during Advent by laying aside selfishness and unkind thoughts by directing himself to the needs of others.
- Midge Yearley, Atlanta Journal Constitution, December 1, 1974
When you see these symbols during Advent, let them serve as reminders of the meaning of Christmas.
A tree is green, the symbol for God's gift of life.
A creche represents the story of Jesus' birth. The church is the fellowship of God's people. A cross reminds us of the Savior of the world. |
The Bible tells us the story of God's love.
A bell calls us to worship God, revealed in Jesus Christ. A shepherd's crook represents the shepherds on Christmas Eve. A manger is the place where Jesus slept. |
The dove represents the Holy Spirit.
A star led the Wise Men from the east. The Advent wreath is round, symbolizing God's eternal love, without beginning or end. It is green, the color of the symbol of life. |
Greenery and Meaning of Symbols for Advent Wreath
Holly
Crown of thorns |
Fir
Living incense to God |
Mistletoe
Life eternal |
The four outside candles traditionally represent hope, faith, joy, and peace. The first, second, and fourth candles are purple; the third candle is rose-colored. The center white candle is lit on Christmas Day to celebrate Jesus’ birth.
|