The traditional Advent wreath has one pink, one white and three purple candles. First Candle known as the Prophecy Candle or Candle of Hope is purple lit on First Sunday of Advent. Second Candle known as the Bethlehem Candle or The Candle of Preparation or The Candle of Faith is purple lit on Second Sunday of Advent. On Third Sunday of Advent the Candle lit is pink known as Shepherd Candle or the Candle of Joy. Fourth Candle known as the Angel Candle or the Candle of Love lit on Fourth Sunday of Advent. On Christmas Day, a white (for the purity of Christ) candle is lit.
Before electricity, people used candles to light their homes and to decorate their Christmas trees. Today electric lights have replaced candles. Candles and Christmas lights represent Christ, the Light of the World. “I am the light of the world. No follower of mine shall ever walk in darkness; no, he shall possess the light of life” (John 8:12). “The light shines on in the darkness, a darkness that did not overcome it” (John 1: 5). Candles and Christmas lights also remind us that we are to be light to others, to show them the way to Christ.
Lord, be my Light in the darkness and help me to be a light to others, to show them the way to you. When all seems hopeless, help me to remember that the darkness cannot overcome Your Light. You are the eternal Brilliance of God. May Your Light be my hope, my God.
Amen.
