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Advent candles are lit during the advent season, which is prior to Christmas. The word "advent" comes from the Latin word "adventus," meaning "to come," which is a reference to the birth of Jesus Christ.
Advent
The advent season takes place in Christian churches during the four Sundays prior to Christmas. It is during this time that advent candles are lit in preparation for the arrival of the child known as Jesus Christ.
Advent Candle
The candles have been in use since the start of Christianity. Advent candles are placed in a wreath of evergreens, and one candle is lit for each week of the advent season.
Candle Color
Advent candle color can vary by church. Sometimes four purple candles are used, with one white candle representing Jesus Christ. Blue or pink candles are sometimes used instead of, or in addition to, purple candles.
Advent Wreaths
The advent wreath, a circle of evergreens, is a symbol of an infinite God. The advent wreath can be used in churches or homes during the advent season, and holds four candles. Sometimes a fifth candle is placed in the center as a symbol of Jesus Christ.
Candle Flame
The flame of each candle is symbolic. The first candle is a symbol of expectation, the second candle is a symbol of hope, and the final two candles are symbols of purity.
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