Advent begins this year on Dec. 2. Here an altar server lights the
first purple candle of the Advent wreath. An additional candle is
lit each week until Christmas.
CNS photo by Gregory A. Shemitz, Long Island
Catholic |
Advent marks the last month before Jesus’ birth and is symbolized
by a wreath with four candles. A part of our Catholic tradition since
the Middle Ages, the actual origins of the wreath are uncertain.
However, there is evidence of pre-Christian Scandinavians placing lighted
candles around a wheel of greenery and praying to the god of light to
turn “the wheel of the earth” back towards the sun.
The Christian Church adapted these traditions as part of its spiritual
preparation for Christmas. Symbolically, the evergreens signify continuous
life. Holly’s prickly leaves remind us of Jesus’ crown of
thorns. The circle, which has no beginning or end, symbolizes the eternity
of God, and the everlasting life found in Christ.
Three purple candles symbolize the good deeds encouraged during this time.
The single celebratory rose candle marks Advent’s midpoint.
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