For many Christians, Advent marks the anticipation of Christmas and the advent (or arrival) of Jesus' birth. The anticipation starts four Sundays before Christmas and follows until Christmas and, for some Christians, until Epiphany, on Jan. 6.

Purple Penitence

Traditionally, on each Sunday leading up to Christmas, a purple candle is successively lit to represent penitence in anticipation of Jesus' birth and as a connection between his life and death. Purple is also used during Lent and Holy Week. At one time, participants would also fast during Advent. In more modern times, penitence has been followed by a renewal of hope in Christ's birth.

Pink or Blue

Along with a shift in the meaning of Advent, many Christians now use a pink or rose-colored candle on the third Sunday to represent the anticipation of the celebration in general versus the need for penitence. Some Christians now use blue on the third Sunday to symbolize royalty (Jesus is known as the king of kings), or the night sky. Some who use blue on the third Sunday use pink on the fourth Sunday instead, to mark a shift toward joy and celebration.

Red and Green

The reds and greens of the season are seen as more secular and are not usually used for Advent. Oftentimes, though, Advent candles are surrounded by a ring of evergreen, representing God being ever present and eternal.

White

The four candles lit each Sunday surround a center candle of white that is lit on either Christmas Eve or Christmas Day and is called the Christ Candle, which represents Jesus himself.

Symbolism

Lighting the Advent candles each Sunday and even during the week at mealtime helps tell a variety of stories, all leading to Jesus' birth and offering a renewed sense of forgiveness and hope.

Source:

The Christian Season of Advent

Resource:

Advent Wreath - more info and instructions on making one