CEBU, Philippines - Although the symbolism of the Advent Wreath and the Advent Candles can be more meaningful in the northern countries, it can also be meaningful for us. In the northern countries, plants and trees shed their leaves as winter approaches, so that by winter time, the season of Advent and Christmas, nature looks bare and lifeless – except for the evergreen, the only sign of life in nature. A Filipino experiencing his first winter in the U.S. told me: “These Americans don’t know how to take care of their plants. All the trees are dead!”
The evergreen of the Advent Wreath reminds us that amidst the world dead in sin, there is life and hope. The circular shape of the wreath also reminds us of divine life which has no beginning and no end. Amidst the cold dark winter, there is a sign of life – hope for the Savior. The wreath is a symbol of renewal in Christ.
The symbolism is also applicable to the situation of the modern world today. Amidst overwhelming sin and selfishness, of destruction, violence, and materialistic pleasure- seeking world, there is Christ and his Church sustaining life, giving us hope for renewal.
The four candles stand for the four Sundays of Advent – three are purple or violet for the first, second, and fourth Sundays of Advent. Purple is a royal color and of penitence. The first candle to be lighted is the purple candle opposite the pink one. It is the candle of Hope – related to the Patriarchs. The second week, another purple candle is also lighted. It is the candle of Peace – related to the Prophets. For the third Sunday, the pink candle is added. It is the candle of Joy – related to John the Baptist. And finally on the fourth Sunday, the last purple candle is lighted. It is the candle of Love – related to Mary the mother of Jesus. Some people add a white candle at the center of the wreath for Christmas and Christmas week. It is the candle of Christ – the light of the world. It is lighted on Christmas Day while all the other four candles are removed.
Since the Advent Wreath is a devotion, there are several ways of using it. The wreath can be blessed by a priest of by a layperson. Each week or day of the week, the candle(s) can be lighted followed by prayers and reflections on Advent readings in group meetings or in families, such as before dinner. The Entrance Prayer and the Readings of the Mass can be used for reflection and prayers.
This way we can come to a fuller appreciation of the season of Advent to truly prepare for Christ’s coming at Christmas.
Come Lord, Jesus!