The Candles of Advent (and what they mean)
Each Sunday of Advent holds a special significance, as symbolized by the respective four candles of the Advent wreath:
- First Sunday of Advent (The Prophet's Candle): This Sunday marks the beginning of the season and traditionally focuses on the theme of hope, symbolized by the Prophet’s Candle which points to the long-expected Savior (see Tit. 2:13; John 3:16–17).
- Second Sunday of Advent (The Bethlehem Candle): The focus shifts to faith with the Bethlehem Candle, reminding us of Mary and Joseph’s journey to the city where Jesus would be born (see Mic. 5:2; Luke 2:1–7).
- Third Sunday of Advent (The Shepherd's Candle) (Gaudete Sunday): In a departure from the usual purple vestments, priests wear a rose-colored one at this Sunday’s Mass, and rose is also the color of the Shepherd’s Candle. Both symbolize the world’s joy for the long-expected Savior’s birth (see Isa. 9:1–3; Luke 2:8–12).
- Fourth Sunday of Advent (The Angel's Candle): The final Sunday before Christmas emphasizes the incomparable peace that our Divine Savior brings (see Isa. 9:6; John 14:27), and which the Angel’s Candle heralds (see Luke 2:13–14)
