From Father Ken – The Significance of the Advent Wreath
The liturgical year begins with Advent. Lasting about four weeks, it is a period that intensely prepares us for the coming of the Lord. With proper readings and prayers, the Advent season celebrates the “waiting-memory of the first, humble coming of the Lord in our mortal flesh; [as well as the] waiting supplication for His final, glorious coming as Lord of History and universal Judge.” In the lines that follow, we shall focus on the significance of the Advent wreath, one of the most popular Advent pieties.
The Advent wreath tells the story of Advent. Understanding the symbolisms embedded in the wreath helps one enter fully into the mystery and so captures fully the spirit of the season.
The circular shape of the wreath symbolizes eternity. The evergreen wreath symbolizes life and immortality. When most trees have shed their leaves during winter, these evergreen trees manifest their resilience at the height of the harshness of winter. The ever-greenness of the wreath reminds us of the faithfulness of God, which is always alive and fresh. This gives us hope in the time of adversity. The evergreen wreath also reminds us that we are called to share eternal life with Christ.
The sequential lighting of the candle each week provides us with a tangible way to mark the progression of the Advent season. Each progression encourages us to meditate on the themes of hope, peace, joy, and love. Each of the four Advent candles represents a special virtue to cultivate during the season.
The first candle signifies hope. The candle of the first week recalls to mind the unwavering hope we hold within us as we await the arrival of the Lord. It is also referred to as the “Prophecy Candle” because it brings to memory the numerous prophecies by various prophets in the Old Testament about the long-awaited coming of the Messiah.
The second candle indicates peace. It beckons us to value inner peace and to spread it to people around us. This second candle is also referred to as the “Bethlehem Candle” because it reminds us of the journey from Nazareth to Bethlehem by Joseph and Mary before the birth of Jesus.
The third, rose-colored candle, symbolizes joy. As it is lighted on Gaudete Sunday, it vividly reminds us that in our Advent journey we are now approaching Christmas. There is a sense of joy for a traveler when he realizes that he has passed more than half of the journey. This third candle is also referred to as the “Shepherd’s Candle.” Here we recall the joy with which the shepherds hurried to the manger to see the newborn Jesus.
The fourth candle epitomizes love. It reminds us of the boundless love of God, which we are called to share with everyone. The fourth candle is also referred to as the “Angel’s Candle.” It reminds us of that very beautiful scene at the birth of Jesus when the angels joyfully sang glory to God and peace to men. On His coming into the world, Jesus insisted that we should love one another as He loves us.
So far, we have endeavored to tell the tale of the Advent season by focusing on the Advent wreath as one of the popular Advent pieties and devotions. It is believed that understanding the significance of the Advent wreath will make us better appreciate its use in the church and in our homes. Beyond beautifying our homes, it helps to connect us to God in prayer.
During family prayers this season, gather around the wreath, light the required number of candles according to the week, and go on with your prayers. Reading and reflecting on the relevant passages according to the weekly candles or simply using the readings of the Mass of the day may also accompany your prayers. This is a sure way of participating and entering into the spirit of the Advent season.
-Fr. Ken Ahanonu
