What Is an Advent Wreath?
Sunday, November 23, 2025
How Four Little Candles Light the Way to Jesus’ Birth
In our family, lighting the Advent wreath was always a full-contact spiritual experience — a tug-of-war over whose turn it was to light the candles and whose turn it was to blow them out. After one too many wax injuries from overenthusiastic puffing, I finally invested in a candle snuffer. Because Jesus is the Light of the World, and we are going to light these little lights of ours… no matter who gets splattered in the process!
If you grew up Catholic, you probably remember the Advent wreath glowing somewhere in your childhood home or parish — a warm circle of light slowly growing brighter as Christmas approached. And if you’re a mom, grandmother, or teacher now, you know the magical hush (or the enthusiastic squeals!) that fall when little hands gather to light a candle.
The Advent wreath is one of the Church’s most beloved traditions because it’s simple, visual, prayerful, and filled with meaning. When our children were little, we would say, “We light this candle to remind us that Jesus is the Light of the World!”
Where Did the Advent Wreath Come From?
The Advent wreath has roots in Northern Europe, where Christian families used candles and evergreens to symbolize hope during the dark winter. Catholics embraced the tradition, and over time it became a treasured part of preparing for Christmas.
Today you’ll find an Advent wreath in nearly every Catholic church — and in countless homes where families gather in soft candlelight to pray.
Consider decorating your wreath with words of blessing from the last liturgical year — as St. Ignatius reminds us, we see God more clearly when we reflect on His blessings.
What Does the Wreath Mean?
Every part of the wreath preaches the Gospel:
🌿 The Circle
No beginning. No end.
A symbol of God’s eternal love — always present.
🌲 The Evergreens
Alive even in winter.
A reminder of everlasting life in Christ.
🕯️ The Candles
Four candles for four weeks.
Each stands for a theme of Advent:
- Hope
- Peace
- Joy (the rose candle!)
- Love
Every week we light one more flame, and the darkness gets a little smaller. Advent teaches us that Christ’s light grows gently, faithfully… one week at a time.
How to Use an Advent Wreath at Home
Make it simple. Make it sweet. Make it doable.
- Light your candle before dinner
- Say a short prayer (your kids can help!)
- Sing “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel”
- Let the glow remind you that Jesus is near
Little rituals, big grace.
A Saint’s Thought to Pray With
“A candle loses nothing by lighting another candle.”
— St. Francis of Assisi
Let your Advent wreath be that candle —
lighting hearts, one flame at a time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Advent begins on the fourth Sunday before Christmas, which can fall between November 27 and December 3, and lasts until the evening of December 24.
Advent is a Christian season of anticipation and preparation before Christmas, inviting us to reflect, pray, and wait in joyful hope for Jesus’ birth and His Second Coming.
The Advent colors are purple for preparation and royalty, rose (pink) for joy on Gaudete Sunday, and white or gold for purity, glory, and the light of Christ at Christmas.
Hi, I am Rebecca Even
CEO Of A.M.D.G. Productions LLC
Catholic author, Speaker, Songwriter but not a singer, Rebecca Even is a wife and mother with a passion for working with women especially mothers of all ages.
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