Lighting of Advent Candles: Overview

Often when celebrating advent, candles are lit as symbols of reminders. It is a centuries-old tradition that provides a chance to reflect and look ahead. The four Advent candles represent the four weeks of Advent. Often these candles are lit the preceding four Sundays before Christmas. The fifth candle, called the Christ candle is often lit on Christmas Eve or Christmas day.

• The first candle symbolizes hope and is called the “Prophet’s Candle.” The prophets of the Old Testament, especially Isaiah, waited in hope for the Messiah’s arrival.

• The second candle represents peace and is called “Bethlehem’s Candle.” Micah had foretold that the Messiah would be born in Bethlehem, which is also the birthplace of King David.

• The third candle symbolizes joy and is called the “Shepherd’s Candle.” To the shepherd’s great joy, the angels announced that Jesus came for humble, unimportant people like them, too. In liturgy, the color rose signifies joy.

• The fourth candle represents love and is called the “Angel’s Candle.” The angels announced that Jesus came to bring people close to God and to each other. Love is the greatest of all the virtues and encompasses Jesus life and ministry.

• The (optional) fifth candle represents light and purity and is called “Christ’s candle.” It is placed in the middle and is lit on Christmas Day.