Advent is a Christian Festival that can be observed in the home as well as in the Church. This simple ceremony takes place in the home when the family is gathered together during the main meal. It is a time to remember the First Coming of Christ and to anticipate His Second Coming.
THE SYMBOLS The Circle of the Wreath: God Himself, His eternity, and His endless mercy, without beginning, nor end. The Green of the Wreath: Our hope of newness, renewal, and eternal life. Light of the Candles: The Light of God that came into the world through Christ to bring newness, life, and hope. Lighting the Candles: The Progressive departure of darkness from the world as the more and more light is shed through the candles.
Four Candles: The four weeks of Advent, representing the four centuries between the time of the Prophet Malachi and the birth of Christ. Three Colored (purple or blue) Candles: A period of waiting, expectation, and preparation. The First Candle: A time of expectation and hope. The Second Candle: The peace that is to come. The Pink (or Rose) Candle for the Third Week: It symbolizes joy for the promise is almost fulfilled. The Fourth Candle: The love of God for mankind. The Fifth White Candle (if applicable). Called the "Center Candle", it is lit on Christmas Eve or Day to display that the light of Christ has come into the world in fulfillment of the prophecies.