First Sunday (December 3)
The first candle on the Advent wreath represents Hope. The first Sunday of Advent leads us to anticipate the birth of Christ. It is purple, the primary color of Advent and a color symbolizing royalty. Sometimes called the "Prophecy Candle," the first candle harkens us back to Isaiah's foretelling of the birth of Christ and all of the promises God gave us in the Old Testament that would be fulfilled by the birth of Jesus.
Second Sunday (December 10)
The second candle on the Advent wreath represents Peace and is also purple. Often called the "Bethlehem Candle," This candle reminds us of Mary and Joseph's journey from Nazareth to Bethlehem before Mary gave birth to Jesus. It also builds on the meaning of the Prophecy Candle, recalling that after the division, destruction, and dispersion of the kingdom in the Old Testament, there might finally be peace on Earth.
Third Sunday (December 17)
The third candle of Advent symbolizes Joy. As we continue to approach Christmas Day, our joy grows more and more. It takes us back to the joyful anticipation of the shepherds who journeyed to see Jesus in Bethlehem, even before the wise men. On this third Sunday of Advent, which the Western Church calls "Gaudete Sunday," meaning rejoice or praise, we light the third candle and rejoice like the shepherds. For this reason, it is called the "Shepherd's Candle," and its color is pink, the color for joy.
Fourth Sunday (December 24)
The fourth candle of Advent represents Love, the ultimate love of God that He would send His only Son for us. Called the "Angel's Candle," the fourth candle of Advent is lit the Sunday before Christmas, and it is the color purple, leading us to eagerly await the new Kingdom of God on earth.