It doesn’t really make sense, does it? I wondered about this color choice as well when I was first introduced to the symbols of Advent. In a house full of red and green all December, these oddly colored candles stand out. Honestly, that is exactly the point! Perhaps a quick lesson on the symbols of Advent would be helpful.
The Advent Wreath
The circular shape of the wreath represents the eternal nature of God—His never-ending love, mercy, and faithfulness. Evergreen branches, which do not lose their leaves in winter, represent the everlasting life found in Christ. They are a symbol of hope and renewal, pointing to the promise of eternal life through Jesus.
The Colors of the Five Candles - 3 Purple, 1 Pink and 1 White
Purple, also the liturgical color for Lent, incorporates a time of contemplation, repentance and spiritual preparation. Dietrich Bonhoeffer once reflected, “The celebration of Advent is possible only to those who are troubled in soul, who know themselves to be poor and imperfect, and who look forward to something greater to come.” Purple has historically also been associated with royalty. The purple advent candle symbolizes the supremacy and kingship of Christ, the King of Kings.
Pink is the color of Advent used on the third Sunday of Advent, and signifies a sense of joy and anticipation as Christmas approaches.
White is the Advent candle color symbolizing purity, light and restoration. The white candle at the center of the Advent wreath, often called the Christ candle, symbolizes the purity and light of Christ. It is typically lit on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day to represent the arrival of Jesus Christ, who is the Light of the World and the embodiment of purity and holiness.
The Order of the Five Candles
One purple candle is lit on the first Sunday of Advent, two purple candles are lit on the second Sunday. On the third Sunday, the first two purple candles are lit, along with the pink candle, then on the fourth Sunday, all four are lit. Each candle has a unique theme to reflect on and ponder throughout the following week. The candles on the Advent wreath symbolize hope, peace, joy and love.
There is often a large white candle in the center, which is lit on Christmas and represents the Light of the World, King Jesus! I like to light the Christ candle each evening of Advent to remind myself and our family that, through his Spirit, Christ is here among us, within us.
There is great benefit in the practice of lighting the Advent candles each evening and setting aside time to remember and reread God’s story of hope and promise. Churches, and often individual families, only celebrate with the lighting of specific candles on the four Sundays leading up to Christmas, but I like to light that week’s candle every evening. Just as each candle calls us to remember God’s faithfulness since the beginning of time, each day of this Advent devotional includes different stories from the Old and New Testaments, fueling our anticipation of Christmas Day. A beautiful rhythm that I try to incorporate on each Sunday evening of Advent is a family meal, a simple soup or chili, shared with loved ones and followed by introducing that week’s theme, candle and hymn. This year, I decided to share with you some of our family’s favorite Advent recipes. No pressure to incorporate our rhythms, but please feel free to enjoy whatever appeals to you and the time you have for the practice of Advent this year.
