Advent begins on the fourth Sunday before Christmas. An evergreen wreath holds four outer candles - three purple/blue and one rose - and a central white Christ Candle. Churches light one outer candle each Sunday to symbolize hope, peace, love, and joy; families often mark Advent at home with wreaths, calendars, devotional readings, and charitable acts. Practices and emphases vary across denominations.
What is Advent?
Advent is a four-week Christian season of expectant waiting that begins on the fourth Sunday before Christmas. The Latin root adventus means "coming," and churches observe Advent as preparation for the celebration of Christ's birth and as a time to remember the promised second coming. Many Western denominations (Roman Catholic, Anglican/Episcopal, Lutheran, Methodist, Reformed and others) follow the four-week pattern; practices and emphasis vary by tradition.
The Advent wreath: shape and symbols
The Advent wreath is made from evergreen branches arranged in a circle. The circle reminds Christians of God's eternal nature - no beginning and no end. The evergreens symbolize enduring life and the hope of salvation.
Wreaths typically hold five candles: four around the wreath and one in the center. Congregations light one outer candle on each Sunday of Advent in a special part of worship, often accompanied by a short Scripture reading or prayer. The ritual highlights the idea of increasing light as Christmas approaches.
The four outer candles
Three of the outer candles are usually purple (or blue in some traditions); the fourth is rose (pink). The first candle is commonly called the Candle of Hope (or Prophecy) and points to Old Testament promises of a coming Messiah. Other candles often represent themes such as peace, love, and joy, or they may honor figures from the nativity like Mary and Joseph.
The rose candle is traditionally lit on the third Sunday of Advent, known in many churches as Gaudete Sunday. Its color signals a brief, joyful respite amid penitential preparation - the Latin word gaudete means "rejoice."
The Christ Candle
A single white candle in the center of the wreath is called the Christ Candle. It represents Christ as the light of the world. Churches differ on timing: many light the Christ Candle at the end of the Advent season during a Christmas Eve or Christmas Day service; some light it on the Sunday just before Christmas.
Home observances and modern variations
Advent extends beyond church walls. Families commonly use home wreaths and a weekly candle-lighting ritual. Advent calendars remain popular: paper or chocolate calendars, devotional calendars with daily Scripture or reflections, and digital or charity-linked calendars are all widespread.
Other household practices include the Jesse Tree (daily ornament readings that trace Bible history), shared devotions, and intentional acts of service or giving during Advent.
Variations and meaning
Practices vary by denomination and local custom. Some churches emphasize penitence and waiting; others highlight hope, joy, and preparation for celebration. Across traditions, Advent invites Christians to pause, remember God's promises, and prepare - spiritually and practically - for the coming of Christ.