The Advent of Christmas

Do you ever wonder what is the meaning of the Advent wreath that is lit during Christmas Season?  The lighting of the wreath is practiced by Protestants as well.  It originated from Lutheran churches and is now practiced by Christians.

The Advent wreath is a Christian tradition that symbolizes the passage of the four weeks of Advent in the liturgical calendar of the western church.

It is commonly a horizontal evergreen wreath, shaped in a circle with four candles tied to it.  The round wreath symbolizes the love of God which has no beginning and no end.  In Catholic churches, the color of the candles are purple and rose, corresponding also the liturgical vestments for the Sundays of Advent.  Rose is the color of the third Sunday of Advent, also known as Gaudete Sunday from the Latin word to rejoice.

In some variations, a white candle is placed in the middle to be lit on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day. White is the traditional festal color in the Western Church.

Now, what are the meanings of the candles.
1.  The first candle is purple, the Candle of Hope.  Hope because God is faithful and will keep His promises to us.  
2.  The second candle is the purple, the Candle of Preparation. It means to get ready for the coming of Christ as  our Saviour.
3.  The third candle is the rose, Candle of Joy.   The angels sang a message of  joy.
4.  The fourth candle is purple, the Candle of Love.  God sent His only to save us because He loves us!
5.  The fifth candle is white, the Christ Candle which reminds us that Jesus is the spotless lamb of God, sent to wash away our sins.

Sources:  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Advent_wreath
http://livinghopeomaha.wordpress.com/about-living-hope/bible-stud/the-meaning-of-the-advent-wreath/