The Advent Wreath
The Advent Wreath: A Beloved Tradition for a Holy Season
Preparing for Advent
As Advent approaches, many Catholic homes and churches display an Advent wreath with its familiar evergreen branches and candles. While it feels like an ancient Catholic custom, the Advent wreath is actually a relatively recent Christian tradition.
A Recent Tradition with an Ancient Purpose
The modern Advent wreath originated among German Lutherans in the nieeteenth century and became widely adopted by German Catholics during the 1920s. From there, it spread throughout the Catholic Church and has become one of the most recognizable symbols of the Advent season. While the wreath itself is not ancient, its purpose beautifully supports the Church's age-old call to prepare our hearts for the coming of Christ.
The Meaning of the Wreath
The circular shape of the wreath has no beginning and no end, reminding us of God’s eternal love. The evergreen branches symbolize the everlasting life won for us through Jesus Christ. As the days grow shorter and the nights darker, the increasing light of the Advent candles reminds us that Christ is the Light of the World who comes to dispel the darkness of sin and death.
The Four Candles
Traditionally, the Advent wreath contains four candles:
- The First Candle (Purple) - Hope - Lit on the First Sunday of Advent, this candle reminds us of the hope found in God's promises and the expectation of the Messiah's coming.
- The Second Candle (Purple) - Peace - Lit on the Second Sunday of Advent, this candle calls us to prepare our hearts for Christ and to seek the peace that comes from God alone.
- The Third Candle (Rose) - Joy - Lit on Gaudete Sunday, the Third Sunday of Advent, this candle is a colorad candle marks a moment of rejoicing. The Church's liturgy takes on a lighter tone as Christmas draws near, reminding us to “Rejoice in the Lord always.”
- The Fourth Candle (Purple) - Love - Lit on the Fourth Sunday of Advent, this candle reminds us of God's great love made visible in the Incarnation, when the Son of God took flesh and dwelt among us.
Optional Christ Candle: Some Advent wreaths also include a white Christ Candle in the center, which is lit on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day. It symbolizes Christ Himself, the true Light who has entered the world.
A Holy Way to Wait
The Advent wreath helps us mark the passage of time in a holy and intentional way. In a season often filled with shopping, decorating, and busy schedules, the wreath gently calls us back to prayer, reflection, and anticipation. Week by week, as another candle is lit, we are reminded that we are not merely counting down the days until Christmas. Rather, we are preparing ourselves to welcome Christ more fully into our hearts, our homes, and our lives.
Reflection
“May the growing light of the Advent wreath inspire us to deepen our hope, strengthen our peace, increase our joy, and live more fully in the love of Christ as we prepare to celebrate His birth.”
Bonus Apologetics Question
“If the Advent wreath isn't an ancient Catholic tradition and wasn't invented by Catholics, why does the Church use it?”
The Catholic Church does not claim that every good and holy custom originated within Catholicism. The Advent wreath is a devotional practice that originated among German Lutherans in the 19th century and was adopted by German Catholics in the early 20th century. The Church embraces practices that help lead people to Christ and deepen the spiritual life.
This is an example of an important Catholic principle: Sacred Tradition and popular traditions are not the same thing. Sacred Tradition comes from the Apostles and forms part of the Deposit of Faith. Popular traditions, such as Advent wreaths, Christmas trees, nativity scenes, and Stations of the Cross, are devotional practices that help us live the faith but are not themselves articles of faith.
CCC 1679: In addition to the liturgy, Christian life is nourished by various forms of popular piety, rooted in the different cultures. While carefully clarifying them in the light of faith, the Church fosters the forms of popular piety that express an evangelical instinct and a human wisdom and that enrich Christian life.
