The Roman Catholic church has a tradition of lighting Advent Candles during the four weeks of Advent.
The first candle is lit on the first Sunday of Advent. Each succeeding Sunday an additional candle is lit until all four are lit on the forth Sunday of Advent.
The first advent candle to be lit in the traditional advent wreath ceremony is the purple candle, symbolizing hope.
The purple is lit second.
The pink candle is typically lit on the third week of Advent.
The candle traditionally lit on the second Sunday of Advent is the Bethlehem candle.
The first advent candle is traditionally lit on the fourth Sunday before Christmas, which marks the beginning of the Advent season.
Advent candles are typically lit in a clockwise manner. Each candle represents a week of Advent, and the candles are usually arranged in a circular wreath. Starting from the first Sunday of Advent, the candles are lit one by one in order, moving clockwise around the wreath.
Candles that are lit each week for the coming of Jesus. Purple (violet), purple, rose, and purple, are lit each week. They represent the four Sundays of Advent.
The advent candle being lit today as part of the Christmas countdown is the third candle, which represents joy.
The candle traditionally lit on the fourth Sunday of Advent is the "Angel Candle." It represents peace and is a reminder of the angels who announced the birth of Jesus, bringing hope and joy to the world.
Advent candles are traditionally lit on each of the four Sundays leading up to Christmas.
The white advent candle is typically lit on Christmas Day, symbolizing the birth of Jesus Christ.