Advent marks the beginning of the Christian liturgical year, a time of anticipation leading up to Christmas, including the four Sundays before it. One cherished tradition is the use of a Catholic Advent wreath, which symbolizes the journey toward Jesus’ birth and helps the faithful prepare to fully receive the Lord during Christmas.

Catholic Advent Wreath Meaning

The Roman Catholic Advent wreath is a circular arrangement of evergreen branches, symbolizing God's everlasting love and life. Typically, it holds five Catholic Advent candles, each representing a different aspect of the religious journey. The circular shape signifies eternity, reflecting God's eternal presence.

Meaning of the Catholic Advent Candles

The five candles on the Catholic Advent wreath are colored purple (or blue), pink, and white, each with a distinct symbolism. Purple represents both royalty and suffering, pink signifies joy, and white stands for holiness. These colors align with liturgical traditions and enhance the religious significance of the Advent season.

Weekly Significance of Advent Candles

Each Sunday during Advent, one candle is lit on the Catholic Advent wreath, each symbolizing a specific religious theme:

• First Sunday (Hope): The purple candle of hope is lit, reminding us of the hope that Christ's birth brings.
• Second Sunday (Love): Another purple candle is lit, symbolizing God's love.
• Third Sunday (Joy): The pink candle of joy is lit, celebrating the joy of Christ’s coming.
• Fourth Sunday (Peace): The final purple candle is lit, representing the peace Christ brings.
• Christmas Eve/Day (Christ Candle): The white candle at the center, symbolizing Christ, is lit to celebrate His birth.

Catholic Advent Wreaths and Candles in Homes

Bringing the Catholic Advent wreath into the home is a beautiful way to keep the “reason for the season” at the forefront. Families can light the Catholic Advent candles each evening or on Sundays, making it a time for reflection, prayer, and religious connection amidst the holiday rush. For daily use, light the same candle throughout the week, adding a new one each Sunday.

Children especially enjoy this practice, eagerly participating in lighting the Advent candles and joining in prayers or blessings.

A Blessing for Lighting Advent Candles at Home

Here’s a traditional blessing you may use when lighting Catholic Advent candles in your home:

"O God, by whose word all things are sanctified, pour forth thy blessing upon this wreath and grant that we who use it may prepare our hearts for the Coming of Christ and receive from thee abundant graces. Through Christ Our Lord. Amen."

Our Wishes for Your Advent Season

At St. Patrick’s Guild, we wish your family hope, love, joy, peace, and holiness during this Advent season. We offer a beautiful selection of Catholic Advent wreaths and Catholic Advent candles to meet your needs, along with faith-based gifts and books. Explore our collection online today, or contact us directly for personalized assistance.