This year I finally set up our advent candles. the candles and the candle holder were all bought at Hobby Lobby where all the Christmas items here half off. YES!
You can get our own set on Amazon, as seen here.
The Advent season is a time of preparation that directs our hearts and minds to Christ’s second coming at the end of time and also to the anniversary of the Lord’s birth on Christmas. Growing up, our family did not celebrate Advent or Christmas. It has taken me a few years to grow in my faith and to appreciate the season beyond commercial festivities that consume many of us. This time of year, I try to learn more about Christ's birth and the significance of the events leading up. This time is also the perfect time to reflect on the year past and get inspired for the year to come on my and my family's relationship with God.
This year was my first time setting up our advent candles. In setting up, I did a bit of reading up on the significance of the candles and I wanted to share them with you.
DynamicCatholic.com shares "The Meaning of Advent Candles":
As a Christian tradition, the wreath holds the four Advent candles. The candles represent Jesus coming as the light in darkness. One candle is lit each Sunday until all four candles are lit, and sometimes a fifth candle is lit on Christmas. As Christmas draws nearer, each candle brings a little more light into the darkness.
Each of the candles represents an aspect of preparation during the season of Advent:
The Candle of Hope
Color: Purple
Purple is the primary color associated with Advent. Within the Catholic Church it symbolizes penance, preparation, and sacrifice. During the first week of Advent, we look forward to Jesus’ coming with hope.
The Candle of Peace
Color: Purple
During this second week of Advent, we reflect on our lives and work on becoming better-versions-of-ourselves in preparation for Jesus’ coming.
The Candle of Joy
Color: Pink
This third candle is pink, symbolizing anticipation and rejoicing. During the third week of Advent, we are filled with joy for the near arrival of Jesus on Christmas day.
The Candle of Love
Color: Purple
During this final week of Advent we rejoice in the endless love that God has for us, which is made apparent in the birth of his Son:
“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”
- John 3:16
Lastly, and my favorite, the United States Conference for Catholic Bishops shares an Advent Calendar (and lots of other Advent Season resources) to help us all reflect on the past year and get inspired for the Christmas season.
Happy Advent Season everyone! May the season bring you and yours hope, peace, and joy!
