The Advent season brings the anticipation of Filipinos closer to the joyous birth of Christ. Our hearts are full of exhilaration as we prepare our homes for Jesus Christ’s coming. This is a time of waiting and contemplation that reminds us what Christmas really means.
The most important symbol during this period is, of course, the Advent wreath. It symbolizes Christ’s light as well as four weeks until Christmas. So, let’s discuss in detail the Advent wreath’s deep symbolism and its significance within this season.
Origins of the Advent Season
Advent is derived from the Latin word “Adventus” which means “coming” or “arrival.” The observance of the Advent season has gradually developed over time and acquired special meaning among different Christian denominations.
The origin of the Advent season dates back to the 6th century when Bishop Perpetuus of Tours established fasting before Christmas on November 11 – also known as St. Martin’s Day. The Advent season was further ratified by the Council of Tours in 567.
Nowadays, Advent starts from November 27 to December 3, up to December 24 which is Christmas Eve.
The Advent Wreath
The wreath is not just a Christmas ornamental item. Through its visual representation, it captures the main themes of the festive period. Its decor includes all the basic elements of this happy season which Embody hope, peace, joy, and love.
Generally, it is a round fresh wreath made from evergreens signifying eternal life. These are usually decorated with four candles placed evenly around the circle and sometimes with a fifth one in the middle. The candles come in colors: four purple ones and one pink (or rose) colored one. Each candle represents one week of Advent, which is observed as we approach the birthday of Jesus Christ.
Each component of the Advent wreath holds some significant symbolism
For example, the light of Christ is represented by candles, thus every new week brings about an addition of a candle to mark anticipation of His birth. Themes such as preparation and penance can be suggested by purple candles. Joy and anticipation are shown by the pink or rose-colored candle lit on the third Sunday of Advent Season. Meanwhile, the evergreen branches signify His unending love and eternal life.
The Advent wreath is a visual symbol that encompasses various themes of Christmas.
To start with, it is a sign of hope. The evergreen branches and the lit candles remind us that even in the darkest times, there’s still light shining and leading us to bigger things.
Similarly, the wreath represents Christ’s eternal love as well as everlasting life. The candles are progressively lit up to illumine the way to the celebration of the ultimate act of love and birth of Jesus. The circle shape of the wreath further adds to this meaning, representing eternity and God’s never-ending love.
In the silence of evergreen branches and the flickering of candles, we are invited into our hearts to find peace while waiting for the prince of peace.
Lighting ritual of the Advent candles
Many churches and families, as the Advent season begins, participate in a beautiful tradition called the Lighting Ritual of the Advent candles. Each candle represents a different theme or aspect of our journey toward Christ’s birth, and four candles will be lit every week for four weeks before Christmas.
First Sunday of Advent: Hope. Purple candle
This is the first week of Advent and its theme is hope – as seen through a purple candle. This candle symbolizes the anticipation for the coming of our messiah, who brings hope into our lives. Additionally, lighting the hope candle helps us remember to be optimistic in dark times as we wait for His birth.
Second Sunday of Advent: Peace. Purple candle
The second week of Advent theme is peace and a purple candle marks the occasion. It reminds us that Jesus brings peace like a river in our lives despite any chaos in our surroundings. Also, this candle represents that peace can be attained in Christ.
Third Sunday of Advent: Joy. Pink candle
The third week of Advent is focused on joy – signified by lighting a pink-colored candle. It continues to remind us about the joyfulness that comes with anticipation for Jesus’ birth. This reminds us to be happy in the expectation that comes with hope and peace.
Fourth week of Advent: Love. Purple candle.
The fourth and final Sunday of Advent is about love. A purple candle is used to represent the symbol love. The purple color reminds us that with Christ’s light, we are given eternal peace and a love beyond understanding.
Christmas candle: Christ. White candle
The white candle situated on Christmas day represents the birth of Jesus as a human being. Furthermore, this is why we celebrate in this season.
Every year, the lighting of the candles provides an opportunity for us to reflect and prepare ourselves for Jesus’ birth.
What to do during the Advent Season – Advent traditions and practices
Different advent traditions and practices are done globally during the season. Some popular practices include:
1. Advent calendars. These are fun ways to count down the days until Christmas. They normally have small gifts inside them which are opened each day as surprise gifts are revealed.
2. Acts of kindness. Is there ever more need to focus on kindness and giving back to others? Some people help others in a kind way like through volunteerism or making donations for charity.
3. Lighting Advent candles. Similarly, lighting candles, one each week during Advent, is a common practice as the symbol of the Advent wreath.
4. Prayer and reflection. So, get ready with prayers because Advent is about preparation and meditation. Further, may involve going to special church services or doing Advent devotionals and also spending alone time praying and contemplating things.
5. Gather with loved ones. The arrival of Christ can be anticipated by people during Advent Season as they come together in their homes to light the candle every week, have meals together, and exchange thoughts.
Overall, remember that these practices are meant to develop a deeper connection with the Advent season and prepare your mind and heart for the arrival of Jesus Christ.
