Have you ever noticed how an Advent wreath brings warmth and meaning to a room during December? The Advent wreath meaning, candles, and faith together remind you of patience, hope, and preparation for Christ.
Each week, lighting a candle helps you pause and prepare your heart for Christmas amid all the noise of the season. Whether you make your own or light one at church, the wreath invites reflection and peace in a busy world.
In this post, I’ll share what the Advent wreath means, how to use it, and how its symbols guide you toward the true spirit of Christmas.
What is the Advent Wreath Meaning?
The Advent wreath is a circular arrangement of evergreen branches that marks the four weeks leading up to Christmas. It serves as a visual reminder of preparation and anticipation for the birth of Jesus.
In many Catholic and Christian homes, the wreath holds an important place during the Advent season. Its circular shape represents eternity, while the four candles symbolize hope, peace, joy, and love.
Traditionally, three candles are purple, and one is pink, each lit on the Sundays before Christmas.
The Advent wreath meaning lies in its powerful symbolism of light, faith, and preparation for the coming of Christ, guiding believers to focus on prayer and reflection throughout the season.
The Symbolism of the Advent Wreath and Candles
Each flame holds deep spiritual value, and understanding the Advent candle’s meaning enriches reflection and prayer.
In the Catholic tradition, each Advent candle’s meaning points to a spiritual theme, connecting light and hope with Scripture.
The Circular Shape
The wreath’s round form symbolizes God’s infinite love and the eternal promise of life in Christ. It has no beginning or end, showing the everlasting nature of faith.
In the Catholic tradition, this shape reflects unity and continuity, reminding believers that God’s love surrounds all creation.
The unbroken circle also represents eternal life through Jesus, who brings redemption and renewal to those who prepare their hearts during the Advent season.
Evergreen Foliage
The evergreen branches symbolize everlasting faith and renewal. They stay green through winter, reminding Christians that hope lives even in difficult times.
In the Catholic tradition, the greenery reflects the promise of eternal life and God’s constant presence. It also encourages believers to remain steadfast in faith throughout all seasons.
As the wreath rests in homes and churches, the evergreens remind families that spiritual life continues to grow, even in the quiet waiting of Advent.
The Light of the Candles
The light of the candles represents Christ shining in darkness and guiding believers toward salvation. Each week, the flame grows brighter, symbolizing the increasing nearness of Jesus’ birth.
In the Catholic tradition, these candles serve as a spiritual reflection on hope, peace, joy, and love. Lighting them calls the faithful to prayer, faith, and renewal.
The growing light during Advent captures the true message of Christmas, Christ as the everlasting light that overcomes all darkness.
The Meaning of the Four Advent Candles
The meaning of Advent candles centers on hope, peace, joy, and love throughout the season. Together, they symbolize the growing light that prepares hearts for Christ’s coming.
Week 1: Hope (Prophet’s Candle, Purple)
The first candle represents hope, reminding believers of the prophets who foretold the birth of Christ. It stands for waiting and expectation, calling the faithful to trust in God’s promises even when the world feels uncertain.
Lighting this candle each year renews the message that hope never fades for those who believe.
As Isaiah 9:2 says, “The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light.” Hope begins the journey toward the celebration of Jesus’ birth.
Week 2: Peace (Bethlehem Candle, Purple)
The second candle symbolizes peace and preparation for the coming of the Savior. It reminds Christians of the calm and harmony that faith brings into their lives.
Just as Bethlehem welcomed the Prince of Peace, this candle encourages hearts to welcome Christ with readiness and reflection. In lighting it, families pray for peace in their homes and in the world.
The message from Luke 2:14, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace,” echoes through every flame of this candle.
Week 3: Joy (Shepherd’s Candle, Pink)
The third candle, known as the Shepherd’s Candle, represents joy amid waiting. Its pink color marks a shift from solemn anticipation to celebration, reminding believers to rejoice in the Lord’s nearness.
The shepherds’ joy at hearing the news of Christ’s birth reflects the joy that faith brings into daily life. Lighting this candle encourages gratitude and gladness even in quiet seasons.
As Philippians 4:4 teaches, “Rejoice in the Lord always; again I say, rejoice.”
Week 4: Love (Angel’s Candle, Purple)
The fourth candle stands for love, the final and greatest theme of Advent. It represents God’s endless love shown through the gift of His Son.
The Angel’s Candle reminds believers that love fulfills all promises and connects humanity to divine grace. Lighting it prepares hearts to receive Christ fully, not just as a tradition, but as an act of faith and devotion.
As John 3:16 proclaims, “For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son.”
The White Christ Candle (Optional)
The white Christ candle is placed at the center of the wreath and lit on Christmas Eve or Day. It symbolizes the purity, light, and salvation found in Jesus. This candle represents the moment when hope, peace, joy, and love unite in the birth of Christ.
Its bright flame marks the end of waiting and the fulfillment of God’s promise to the world. Through it, believers celebrate the true light that has come to guide all who walk in faith.
How to Light an Advent Wreath
Lighting the Advent wreath is a weekly spiritual practice that builds anticipation for Christmas and reflects faith, prayer, and unity.
- Choose a table or prayer corner where your family gathers during the season.
- Begin with a short silence, focusing on Christ’s light and presence.
- Pray for renewed faith and trust in God’s promises.
- Pray for peace in your family and the world.
- Give thanks for God’s blessings and rejoice in His nearness.
- Pray to grow in love and kindness toward others.
- Celebrate the birth of Jesus, the Light of the World.
- Close each lighting with prayer, a Bible verse, or a simple hymn together.
Biblical Roots and Catholic Significance
The Advent wreath holds deep Biblical meaning, symbolizing light shining in darkness as foretold throughout Scripture.
The Advent wreath Catholic tradition emphasizes prayer, reflection, and the steady light of faith growing stronger each week.
Lighting the wreath each week mirrors the growing anticipation of Jesus’ birth, just as the world once awaited the Savior.
The first candle of hope reflects the prophets’ faith in God’s promise; the second candle of peace recalls Christ as the Prince of Peace.
The third candle of joy celebrates His nearness, while the fourth candle of love reminds believers of God’s greatest gift.
Together, the flames express the message from John 1:5: “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.”
How to Make an Advent Wreath (DIY Guide)
Making your own Advent wreath is simple and meaningful. Follow these steps to create a beautiful wreath for prayer and reflection.
Materials You’ll Need
Gather your supplies before starting:
- One floral foam ring (about 12–14 inches wide)
- Four candle holders (plastic or metal)
- Four taper candles, three purple and one pink
- Evergreen foliage like spruce, pine, boxwood, or holly
- Floral shears or scissors
- Optional: decorative items such as cones, berries, or dried oranges
Step 1: Prepare Your Wreath Base
Start with a plain pine wreath from Dollar Tree or any craft store. Fluff the branches to make it fuller. If you have two wreaths, layer them together and twist the pine tips to secure both.
This creates a thicker, more stable base. You can also use a metal Advent form or candle holders if preferred. Once shaped, your wreath is ready for candles and decoration.
Step 2: Add the Candles
Use four taper candles, three purple and one pink, to match the traditional Advent wreath meaning. Place them evenly around the wreath, using holders to keep them upright and secure.
The purple candles symbolize hope, peace, and love, while the pink candle represents joy. Adjust spacing so each candle stands firm and balanced. These candles will be lit weekly, marking the four Sundays of Advent.
Step 3: Wrap With Deco Mesh
Use deco mesh ribbon to add fullness and color. Start by tying one end to the wreath, then create small, hand-sized loops and secure them with the pine tips as you move around the wreath.
This technique hides the frame and adds soft texture. You can mix colors like gold or cream for a festive touch. The mesh helps your wreath look full without needing lots of extra greenery.
Step 4: Add Ribbon Bows
Cut your ribbon into 16-inch strips, trim the ends into fishtails, and form small loops about three to four inches long. Tie each bow between the candle sections to balance the design.
Fluff the loops so they appear full and soft. This step gives your wreath a festive and finished look while adding movement and color. Keep your bows evenly spaced for a neat, symmetrical finish.
Step 5: Layer Greenery
Trim faux greenery like pine, eucalyptus, or holly into smaller pieces. Insert and glue them evenly around the wreath, mixing textures for a natural look.
Add some pieces to the inside rim so the wreath looks full from all angles. Gently bend stems upward for dimension. This layering creates a lush, realistic base that complements the Advent wreath Catholic design and adds seasonal freshness.
Step 6: Add Decorative Touches
Decorate with berries, pinecones, or dried orange slices for color and texture. Secure heavier decorations with floral wire or glue.
You can also use accents like pink eucalyptus or small birds for a creative twist. These personal touches make your wreath stand out while keeping it meaningful.
Remember, DIY wreaths are about expressing your style while honoring the meaning of Advent candles.
Step 7: Final Details
Once decorated, adjust candle positions so they stand straight and secure. If needed, use adhesive or melted wax to keep them stable.
Check that your greenery doesn’t touch the flames when lit. Place the wreath on a plate or tray for extra safety and style. Your handmade wreath now reflects faith, creativity, and love, the heart of the Advent candle.
Want to see how it’s done? Watch the full DIY Advent Wreath video tutorial. It walks you through every step, from building the base to adding candles and decorations.
Living the Message Beyond Advent
The Advent wreath teaches lessons that extend far beyond the Christmas season. Each candle, representing hope, peace, joy, and love, reminds believers of values to carry through every day of the year.
Hope encourages faith when life feels uncertain, while peace inspires patience and understanding.
Joy calls you to find gratitude in small moments, and love reminds you to serve others with kindness and compassion. Even after the wreath is put away, its message endures.
Keep a candle or small symbol nearby as a reminder to pray, reflect, and live out these virtues in all seasons of life.
Advent Wreath Traditions Across Christian Denominations
Different Christian denominations celebrate Advent with slight variations, but all share the same focus on faith, hope, and preparation.
- Catholic Tradition: Uses three purple candles for penance and one pink candle for joy, often including a white Christ candle for Christmas Day.
- Lutheran Tradition: Follows the same candle colors but emphasizes repentance, grace, and the anticipation of Christ’s return.
- Anglican Tradition: Also uses purple and pink candles, though some churches choose blue instead of purple to represent hope and royalty.
- Other Christian Groups: Adapt the wreath with local customs or readings, yet all honor Christ’s light growing stronger each week.
Conclusion
The Advent wreath, meaning, candles, and faith come together as a symbol of hope, peace, joy, and love each Advent season. Each candle reminds you to slow down, pray, and focus on Christ’s presence in your daily life.
Lighting the wreath brings families closer and helps everyone reflect on faith in a simple, meaningful way. The growing light through each week mirrors the anticipation of Christ’s birth and the peace His coming brings to the world.
If you create your own wreath or light one at church, its message stays the same: faith grows brighter when shared.
I hope this inspires you to start or continue your Advent tradition and keep its spirit alive throughout the Christmas season.
