Since the Middle Ages, Advent wreaths and candles have been a Catholic tradition, forming part of spiritual preparation for Christmas. Candles, in particular, have rich symbolism. Lighting a candle is an act of hope, expressing a wish to be enveloped in the light of Christ, who defeats fear and the powers of evil. We do not light candles merely for decoration. It an act of proclaiming of our faith in God, who is in control even amid despair.
Lockdown, quarantine, isolation, war, inflation, joblessness—these words have become part of many conversations in recent years and the world has become a much darker place for many of us. When the pandemic was raging across the world, it became a popular custom light a candle and put it in a window where it would be seen by neighbours and passers-by, offering rays of hope in the darkness. Oblate Theologian Father Ron Rolheiser shares an anecdote on the power of lighting a candle. During the apartheid years in South Africa, he says, Christians would light candles and place them in windows as a sign of their hope that racial injustice would end one day. Doing so became a political statement.
The white government was irked and passed a law making it illegal to place a lit candle in a window. This became a joke among the people. “Our government is afraid of lighting candles!” But both the government and the people understood clearly the power behind such a simple act.
The candle of the first Sunday of Advent is called the “Prophecy Candle”, recalling the prophets who foretold the birth of Christ. It represents hope in anticipation of the coming Messiah.
Mary and Joseph’s journey to Bethlehem are represented by the “Bethlehem Candle”, which represents faith on the second Sunday. The third candle is called the “Shepherd’s Candle”, which reminds us of the joy that the world experienced at the birth of Jesus and the joy that the faithful have reached at the midpoint of Advent.
The fourth, the “Angel’s Candle,” symbolises peace. It marks the final week of prayer and penance as we wait for the birth of our Saviour. It reminds us of the message of the angels: Peace on Earth, good will to all people. Modern-day adaptations of the Advent candles also include a white candle called the “Christ Candle”, which represents the life of Christ, lit on Christmas Eve.
Advent wreaths meanwhile teach us about the values of faith, hope, peace and joy. The circle of the Advent wreath has no beginning or end, symbolising God’s eternity, the everlasting life that Jesus brings to humanity, and the enduring quality of human resilience.
Let us join together light the candles of hope in this Advent, and to hang up wreaths on our doors and in hour homes, not merely as an automatic ritual but as a mindful way to light up our live and those of our neighbours. Jose, cmf
