The advent wreath is often seen in churches and sometimes even homes during the weeks approaching Christmas. It is full of symbolism (I will point out some of the general features on the advent wreath and what they mean).
The circle of the wreath reminds us that God is eternal (a circle is continuous) and that his mercy never ends.
The evergreens that make the wreath remind us of eternal life and of Christ's life (He died and then rose again, thus living forever). Some say that the prickly nature of the evergreen symbolizes the crown of thorns that Christ wore when He was crucified.
The candles symbolize the light of God (Christ). The four outer candles represent the time of waiting for Christ's birth (four weeks before Christmas) while the fifth inner candle represents Christ's birth.
The first candle lit is usually referred to as the Prophecy Candle, symbolizing the years before Christ's birth when the prophets spoke of the coming Saviour and the people yearned for a Messiah. The next three candles usually have meanings that vary according to the church. Some include: Bethlehem, Shepherds, and Angels, Love, Joy, and Peace, or John the Baptist, Mary, and the Magi.
Another interesting point to note is the fact that as it draws closer to Christmas, more candles are lit and thus more light is generated, signifying that Christ is drawing nearer to the world (about to be born). With the lighting of the fifth candle (the Christ candle) it represents Christ's birth and presence on earth.
Click on the related links for more detailed information concerning the Advent Wreath.
the four candles symbolize the four weeks of advent. the colors of the candles symbolizes repentance (violet) except for one which is purple but it has the same symbol of repentance. the circle means the cycle. and the color green symbolizes life.
An Advent wreath is a circle, usually composed of pine branches, with four candles. They represent the four Sundays of Advent. The branches are because the people who invented them liked evergreen branches.
Since a circle has no beginning and no end, it is a symbol for God, Who is eternal and without beginning or end.
The circular shape of the Advent Wreath reminds us of God's eternal nature (since a circle is continuous). He is eternal and the hope He offers is never ending.
It is in the form of a circle because it symbolizes gods love.
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The Advent Wreath is put up on the first Sunday of Advent.
Each candle on an Advent wreath represents one of the Sundays of Advent. A candle is lighted at the beginning of Mass on that Sunday. An Advent wreath in the home is lite for whatever reason that person has an Advent wreath. They are not an official liturgical thing.
It means that someone is trying to get inventive in decorating his Advent wreath.
It symbolizes the no beginning and no end of God's love for us.
advent wreath advent candles
The Christmas wreath symbol is of advent it represents the time of advent taking place
the candles meanwaiting,expectationpreparation
The Advent Wreath was originally a Lutheran tradition which marks the four weeks of Advent. Made of evergreen branches layed horizontally, is had four candles representing the weeks. We use the Advent Wreath today but it is refered to as a Christmas wreath.
The white candle in the center of the wreath is the 5th candle - that is lit on Christmas or Christmas eve at Mass.Roman Catholic AnswerTechnically the Advent wreath doesn't have a fifth candle. A fifth candle is making into something other than an Advent wreath. Advent has four weeks, and there is a candle for each week. The Advent wreath should be taken down before the Christmas midnight Mass begins. I think the "fifth candle" is some modern invention that makes no sense.
The advent wreath is a German custom that is placed in the room of children to count down the days of Christmas. The advent wreath is usually set up the 4th Sunday before Christmas.
firn wreath: green, eternal life Pink: Represent joy Purple: violet, color of advent