The Symbolism of Advent

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The tradition of Advent is observed in the weeks prior to Christmas. The word Advent derives from the Latin word ‘adventus’ meaning coming, appearance, or arrival.

During Advent Christians celebrate the coming of Jesus Christ – past, present, and future. We rejoice at the fulfillment of prophecy and the birth of Jesus, solemnly remember His death and resurrection, find peace and joy in His presence today, and wait in hopeful anticipation for His imminent return.

The Advent season begins the fourth Sunday before Christmas Day, so the calendar dates vary from year to year. Many commercial Advent calendars mark 24 days, though Advent can last between 22 to 28 days, depending on the year. In 2022 Advent will begin on Sunday, November 27th. As always, Christmas Eve marks its completion.

Western churches, both Protestant and Catholic use Advent wreaths with lit candles to mark each week’s passing. The wreath’s composition, shape, and colors are rich with Christian symbolism and meaning. The wreath itself is formed from evergreen branches, which represent life. Its round shape signifies eternity. The completed wreath silently communicates the reason Christ came, as it is through Jesus we receive eternal life.

 

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Holly leaves and berries are sometimes added to adorn the wreath. These decorations symbolize Christ’s death, and the pain and suffering He endured on our behalf. The holly leaves represent the crown of thorns, and the red berries His blood shed for us. Another reminder of the reason Christ came – to save us from our sins. 

“He himself bore our sins in his body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; by his wounds you have been healed.” 1 Peter 2:24, NIV

Advent wreaths hold five candles, each with a significance, or ‘theme’. The themes are as follows:

• Week One: The Prophecy Candle, or the Candle of Hope
• Week Two: The Bethlehem Candle, or the Candle of Love
• Week Three: The Shepherd’s Candle, or the Candle of Joy
• Week Four: The Angel Candle, or the Candle of Peace
• The final, center candle is called the Christ Candle. Lit on Christmas Eve, it indicates Christ with us.

The first Sunday of Advent one candle is lit, with an additional candle added each subsequent week. The candle lighting is usually accompanied by an appropriately-themed scripture passage, recitation, prayer, and/or hymn. The burning flame is itself an illustration of Christ, the light of the world. As the weeks progress and Christmas Day approaches, the candle’s light grows brighter and brighter. A reminder of our Savior, Jesus who came to cast out darkness from this sinful world.

“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.” John 1:4-5.

The color of each candle is also significant.

Three candles of purple, red (or more recently, blue) and one pink candle surround the wreath’s center candle, which is white.

Red symbolizes love, life, and Christ’s shed blood.

Purple represents repentance and prayer, while both purple and blue are known as the colors of royalty. A visual reminder of Jesus, the long-awaited King from the house of David. The first, second, and fourth week’s candles are purple (or red or blue) while the third week is pink.

Pink is the color of joy, and symbolizes rejoicing as Jesus’ birth draws near.

The center, or Christ candle is white. Sinless and holy, Christ is the reason we celebrate. Jesus came to dwell among us as an infant, He remains with us now through the Holy Spirit, and will one day return for us – His bride, the church.

“So Christ, having been offered once to bear the sins of many, will appear a second time, not to deal with sin but to save those who are eagerly waiting for him.” Hebrews 9:28, ESV

May you be blessed this season as you celebrate Christ’s Advent!

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