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The advent wreath is often seen in churches and sometimes even homes during the weeks approaching Christmas. It is full of symbolism (I will point out some of the general features on the advent wreath and what they mean).

The circle of the wreath reminds us that God is eternal (a circle is continuous) and that his mercy never ends.

The evergreens that make the wreath remind us of eternal life and of Christ's life (He died and then rose again, thus living forever). Some say that the prickly nature of the evergreen symbolizes the crown of thorns that Christ wore when He was crucified.

The candles symbolize the light of God (Christ). The four outer candles represent the time of waiting for Christ's birth (four weeks before Christmas) while the fifth inner candle represents Christ's birth.

The first candle lit is usually referred to as the Prophecy Candle, symbolizing the years before Christ's birth when the prophets spoke of the coming Saviour and the people yearned for a Messiah. The next three candles usually have meanings that vary according to the church. Some include: Bethlehem, Shepherds, and Angels, Love, Joy, and Peace, or John the Baptist, Mary, and the Magi.

Another interesting point to note is the fact that as it draws closer to Christmas, more candles are lit and thus more light is generated, signifying that Christ is drawing nearer to the world (about to be born). With the lighting of the fifth candle (the Christ candle) it represents Christ's birth and presence on earth.

Click on the related links for more detailed information concerning the Advent Wreath.

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14y ago

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