During the four weeks leading up to Christmas, Lutherans celebrate Advent. Part of the tradition is to have an Advent wreath with four candles arranged around the circle and one candle in the middle. Lutherans light one candle on the first Sunday and an additional candle each Sunday. The last candle is lit on Christmas Eve.

History

According to the Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod, "The traditional use of Advent candles (sometimes held in a wreath) originated in eastern Germany even prior to the Reformation."

Significance

In the northern hemisphere, the season of Advent is celebrated at the darkest time of year. By lighting an additional candle each week, you increase the amount of light that is produced. This symbolizes the light of Christ coming into the world on Christmas.

Symbolism

In most Lutheran churches, the four candles around the wreath are the same color and the one in the middle is white. The color of the four candles is not standard throughout Lutheran churches. According to the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, "four deep purple candles, a sign of the penitential nature sometimes attributed to the season, may be appropriate. Congregations that use blue as the liturgical color during Advent would be consistent to use blue candles." In the past, a pink candle was used for the third week of Advent, but this no longer aligns with the Lutheran series of Bible readings for Advent.

Meaning

Each Sunday as a candle is lit, part of the nativity story is remembered. The first candle, which is lit on the first Sunday of Advent, is the prophet candle. It reminds Lutherans how the birth of Christ was foretold by Old Testament prophets. The second candle is the Bethlehem candle, reminding Lutherans of the humble town where Jesus was born. The shepherd's candle is the third candle, recalling the shepherds who hurried to see Jesus in the stable. The fourth candle, the angels' candle, is associated with the angels who rejoiced as they announced the birth of Jesus. The center candle, called the Christ candle, is lit on Christmas Eve.

Suggestion

Lutheran churches encourage their members to have an Advent wreath at home and to light the candles together at dinnertime.

Source:

Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod: Advent

Evangelical Lutheran Church in America: What is an Advent Wreath?

More Information:

St. Paul's Lutheran Church: What is Advent?