What is an Advent Wreath?

Advent is the season leading up to Christmas. It begins four Sundays before Christmas. For churches that follow a liturgical calendar, the first Sunday of Advent is the beginning of the church year. But most other Christian churches also observe Advent in one way or another.

Advent was traditionally a time of penance and fasting in preparation for Christ's second coming and for the Christmas celebration. Fasting is no longer observed, however, and Advent has become a more joyous season.

Advent wreaths are becoming more and more popular to mark the weeks of Advent. They are used in church services as well as private homes. Many churches host craft lessons where members can come and make Advent wreaths for their families.

In churches, the candles are lit during services and extinguished afterward. In homes, the candles are lit each week and the family may read Bible passages and offer prayers appropriate for the season. The candles are extinguished afterward. (For safety, never leave an unattended candle burning.)

Advent wreaths are an informal part of Christian worship, and different themes and symbolism are given to the candles by different Christian traditions.There are usually one pink, one white and three purple candles, but one white and four blue candles are used in some churches. Sometime the white candle is omitted.

Traditionally, the circle of evergreens which make up the wreath remind us that God is eternal, with no beginning or end. The three purple candles represent penance. The pink candle represents joy. The white candle in the center, called the "Christ candle," represents the coming of Christ.

	First Sunday of Advent: One purple candle is lit.
	Second Sunday of Advent: Two purple candles are lit.
	Third Sunday of Advent: Two purple candles and the pink candle are lit.
	Fourth Sunday of Advent: Three purple candles and the pink candle are lit.
	Christmas Eve until Epiphany (January 6): Three purple candles, the pink candle and the white candle are lit.