What do Christmas candles represent?

Some use the term Christmas candles to describe the candles people put in windows to remember the coming of Christ—born 2000 years ago in a simple stable in Bethlehem. Others put Christmas candles in their window as a symbol of hope or goodwill toward men.

Most, however, associate Christmas candles with the five candles on Advent wreaths. The term Advent is derived from the Latin, adventus, meaning arrival or coming. Advent wreaths and candles help families celebrate the coming of Christ, whose birth we recognize on December 25, Christmas Day.

The origin of Advent wreaths

The tradition of anticipating Christmas by lighting candles on the four weeks leading up to Christmas dates back to the 4th or 5th century. However, it was not until 1851 that the term Advent Wreath was found in literature. That year, a book by Elise Averdieckan featured an Advent wreath. By 1860, Advent wreaths were common in many parts of Europe.

When are the candles on Advent wreaths lit?

Advent wreaths have five candles—four encircle the wreath like four points on a compass and the fifth candle sits in the middle. One by one, the candles are lit on the four Sundays preceding Christmas. The first candle is lit on the fourth Sunday before Christmas; two are lit on the third Sunday before Christmas. Three candles are lit on the second Sunday before the holiday and all four are lit on the Sunday before Christmas. On Christmas Eve or Christmas Day, all five candles are lit in honor of the light, the Messiah, who came to earth about 2000 years ago.

What do the candles on an Advent wreath signify?

Advent wreath candles are rich in meaning. Though the colors of these candles vary, what each candle represents is the same in every country and denomination. A brief profile follows:

•       The first Advent candle represents hope. Jesus is referred to as our blessed hope  in Romans 15:13. As the candles anticipate the coming of Christ, the first candle is sometimes called the prophecy candle in recognition of the more than 110 messianic prophecies in the Old Testament.   
•       The second Advent candle symbolizes faith. This candle, also known as the Bethlehem candle, prompts believers to remember the almost 100-mile journey Mary and Joseph made to Bethlehem to comply with Caesar’s census order.
•       The third Advent candle: The third candle is often pink and represents joy. This candle is also known as the shepherd’s candle, for it was to them the chorus of angels said, “Fear not, for I bring you tidings of great joy. For unto you is born this day in the City of David is Savior…Christ the Lord” (Luke 2:11-14).
•       The fourth Advent candle signifies peace and goodwill. The candle is also known as the Angel’s candle, as peace and goodwill were part of message the angels shared with local shepherds when Jesus was born (see Luke 2).

Further symbolism

Advent wreaths point to Christ in the following ways:

•       The greenery of the wreath symbolizes life. Jesus came that we might have abundant life (John 10:10) and receive the gift of eternal life (John 3:16).
•       The holly leaves, having sharp points, symbolize the crown of thorns Jesus was made to wear during his trial and crucifixion.
•       The red berries common on Advent wreaths represent the blood Jesus shed for us on Calvary.
•       The circle-shape of the wreath represents the never-ending love of God.
•       The pinecones, seeds, and nuts common on wreaths symbolize new life and remind believers that they are born again (John 3:3) and new creations in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17).