THE ADVENT WREATH
Advent traditions reflect a spirit of expectation and, therefore, unfold gradually.
One of the most popular traditions today is the lighting of the candles on the Advent wreath. It almost certainly was an ancient harvest tradition adapted by early Christians.
Light is the most powerful symbol of the Advent season. The growing light of the Advent wreath is a symbol of Christ who shatters the darkness of sin and death. As the light grows stronger week by week, we grow stronger too in our commitment to Christ and in our reverence. The growing light helps us recognise Christ in our lives today and in the hope we carry as we prepare for Christ’s coming.
The four candles of the Advent wreath represent the four weeks of Advent and the thousands of years that the people of God awaited the promised Messiah. Three of the candles are purple, the traditional colour of Advent, a reminder of our waiting, longing and preparation for Jesus’ coming. The candle for the third week is pink/rose as the third Sunday is traditionally known as ‘Gaudete Sunday’ or ‘Rejoicing Sunday’. This comes from the opening words of the Liturgy on that day: ‘Rejoice in the Lord always!’ It is a reminder of the joys and hopes that will replace our longing. Each week one candle is lit until all are aglow on the 4th Sunday.
Often the advent wreath has a white candle in the middle which is lit on Christmas day as a sign of Jesus’ birth and new life.
The circlesymbolises the eternity and continuing presence of God and God’s endless love for us.
The evergreens symbolise everlasting life. The evergreen branches also symbolise Christ as evergreens stand firm against the winter. Christ stands firm against the barrenness of sin and death, calling us to eternal life.
Wreaths have always been symbolic of victory and glory. Represented in the advent wreath is the tension between darkness and light. It represents the long time when people lived in spiritual darkness, waiting for the Messiah. Each year we wait once again for the coming of the Lord, his historical coming in the mystery of Bethlehem, his final coming at the end of time, and his special coming in every moment of grace.