This coming Sunday, December 3, marks the beginning of Advent, a beautiful time of preparation for Christmas, which features the lighting of candles on the Advent wreath as one of its vigil signs.
Here are 5 interesting facts about the Advent wreath:
The Advent wreath originated from a European pagan tradition of lighting candles during winter to ask the sun god to return with its light and warmth.
The circle is a geometric figure with no beginning or end. The Advent wreath reminds us that God also has no beginning or end, reflecting His unity and eternity.
Green symbolizes hope and life. In the Advent wreath, this color reminds us that Christ is alive among us and that in this time of preparation, we should cultivate a life of grace, spiritual growth, and hope.
The four candles of the Advent wreath are lit week by week during the four Sundays of this season. This symbolizes that darkness is dispelled with each lit candle, and our days become increasingly illuminated with the nearing arrival of Christ into the world.
The Advent wreath usually has three purple candles and one pink candle, which is lit on the third Sunday. The pink color speaks to us of the joy we feel as the birth of the Lord approaches.
