What is the meaning of Advent candles?
During the four weeks leading up to Christmas, many Christians celebrate Advent. Each Sunday of Advent, they light an additional candle in the Advent wreath until all of the candles are lit.HistoryAccording to the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, wreaths were a tradition in northern Europe long before they were adopted by Christians. “People sought the return of the sun in the dark time of the year (at the winter solstice) by lighting candles and fires as early as the Middle Ages.”SignificanceThe flames of the candles in the Advent wreath symbolize the light that Christ brought to the world. Each week, as Christians light another Advent candle, they increase the amount of light, bringing them one week closer to Christmas and the birth of Christ.SymbolismThe colors of the candles have significance. According to Father William Saunders, a Catholic priest, “three candles are purple, symbolizing penance, preparation, and sacrifice; the pink candle symbolizes the same but highlights
