What is the meaning of candles on an advent wreath?

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Advent wreaths come from the Lutheran tradition, and more specifically from eastern Germany. The never-ending shape of the wreath represents the everlasting presence of God and his mercy. Even the candles have a special significance.

Identification

The four candles on the Advent wreath stand for the first weeks before Christmas. Many Christians start observing the Christmas season on the Sunday closest to the feast day of Saint Andrew, November 30th.

Function

The candles are used to tally the weeks until Christmas. One candle is lit the fourth Sunday from Christmas, two candles the next Sunday, and so on. Candles are snuffed out after the weekly sermon.

Number of Candles

The Advent wreath usually contains four candles, but some people light a fifth on Christmas day. Any fifth candle should go in the center, with the other four lit in their original order.

Candle Snuffing

The snuffing out of the candles after each service has no religious significance, but is done merely so the candles do not start a fire.

Color

Often purple candles are used, though it is also popular to use three purple candles and one of red or pink. If there is a fifth candle for Christmas Day, it is generally white and placed in the center of the wreath.

Source:

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Ken Collins' Web Site

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What is the meaning of candles on an advent wreath?

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