Advent Crown: A Symbol of Hope in Uncertain Times

The Advent crown or wreath is a religious tradition that symbolizes the four weeks of Advent in the liturgical calendar. While the majority have only four candles, some wreaths include a fifth candle, usually white and lit on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day. The white candle represents the light that Jesus brings to the world. Each one of the candles gets lit, one every Sunday leading up to Christmas. As I reflect on this tradition, I am reminded of the quiet moments I spent as a child, watching my grandmother carefully prepare our family's Advent wreath, her hands moving with intention and purpose. I recall the smell of fresh evergreen and the soft glow of the candles, which seemed to fill our home with a sense of warmth and anticipation. On those winter evenings, our family would gather around the wreath, sharing stories and prayers, and I remember feeling a deep sense of connection to our faith and to one another.

Every decoration piece on the wreath has a significance; for example, some may add red berries, which signify the bloodshed for our sins. Some may place pinecones as a symbol of new life. Each candle has a different meaning, though the color and the purpose of each candle can differ depending on the denomination. The most common tradition typically uses four candles. The first, second, and third candles are purple, and the third one is rose or red.

On the first Sunday of Advent, the first candle is lit. This candle is generally purple; it symbolizes hope; some may also call it the Prophecy Candle.

The second candle is also purple, and it represents love, sometimes also called the Bethlehem Candle. The rose candle represents joy, also known as the Shepherd’s Candle, and last but not least, the love or Angel Candle. It’s called the Angel candle because it is during this 4th week that the angels announced God had sent his only son to earth to save us.

Not many people use an Advent crown in their homes; they are most commonly used in churches. However, as restrictions remain in place because of the pandemic, this year will be different. I've noticed that many families are now creating their own Advent wreaths at home, using materials like evergreen branches, ribbons, and candles to craft a meaningful and personal symbol of their faith. In fact, I recently spoke with a friend who, inspired by this tradition, decided to create a handmade Advent calendar with her children, filling each day with a scripture, a prayer, and a small act of kindness – a beautiful way to teach her kids about the true spirit of the season.

Perhaps this year, more than ever, the Advent crown may become a part of our family traditions as we need the inspiration to help us dig deeper into our faith during these times of isolation. Advent brings new beginnings, and it reminds us that Jesus was born to bring hope to the world. Look for moments of peace to reflect and connect with your thoughts and your feelings. It is in those moments that we learn the depth of God’s love for us. For instance, I've found that taking a few minutes each day to light the Advent candles and read scripture can be a powerful way to center myself and focus on the true meaning of the season.

And if you, like many of us out there, did not grow up with the tradition in your family, consider being part of it this year.