What Do the 4 Candles Mean in Church?

If you’ve ever walked into a church during Advent, or maybe attended a service where candles are lit one by one, you’ve probably seen the famous four candles. But have you ever wondered what they actually represent? I mean, we all know they’re there for a reason, but what’s the deeper meaning behind these flickering lights?

The sight of the four candles is not just a pretty tradition – it’s filled with symbolism, and each candle has its own significance in the Christian faith. So let’s take a closer look at what these four candles really mean.

Advent: The Start of the Journey

First things first, those four candles are part of something called the Advent wreath. If you’re unfamiliar with Advent, it’s the four-week period leading up to Christmas, a time of preparation and reflection. The wreath, typically made of evergreens, holds the four candles (and sometimes a fifth one in the center, but we’ll get to that later).

Every Sunday of Advent, one candle is lit to symbolize the passing of time as we get closer to the celebration of Christ’s birth. The lighting of these candles serves as a reminder to prepare our hearts and minds for the coming of Jesus.

The Four Candles: A Symbol of Hope, Peace, Joy, and Love

Okay, now to the fun part: what do these candles actually stand for? Each of the four candles represents a different theme of the Advent season. They’re not just random; there’s deep meaning behind each one.

1. The First Candle: The Candle of Hope (Prophet's Candle)

The first candle, often called the Prophet’s Candle, symbolizes hope. It’s lit on the first Sunday of Advent, and it’s all about anticipating the coming of Christ. The prophets of the Old Testament spoke of the Messiah’s arrival, and this candle serves as a reminder of that promise.

Think of it as the moment when the wait begins. Hope is the cornerstone of the Christian faith – it’s about looking forward to a better future, to redemption, and to the salvation that Christ brings.

I personally find this first candle a bit like the start of any journey. It’s the excitement, the unknown, the promise of something wonderful on the horizon. For me, it’s a time to reflect on what I’m hoping for in my own life.

2. The Second Candle: The Candle of Peace (Bethlehem’s Candle)

The second candle, also known as the Bethlehem Candle, represents peace. This one is lit on the second Sunday of Advent. Peace is something we all long for, right? Whether it’s peace in the world, peace in our hearts, or just a sense of calm amidst all the chaos of life.

The candle of peace is a reminder that Jesus’ birth brings peace to the world. And not just any peace – a peace that transcends our understanding. As it says in the Bible, "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you." It’s a peace that comes with knowing we’re not alone.

In my life, this candle reminds me to slow down a bit. Peace isn’t just the absence of conflict; it’s a presence of calm and grace that can fill even the busiest days.

3. The Third Candle: The Candle of Joy (Shepherd’s Candle)

Now, here’s where things get fun! The third candle is the Shepherd’s Candle, and it stands for joy. This one is typically lit on the third Sunday of Advent, and it’s a symbol of the joy that comes with the good news of Christ’s birth.

Think about the joy the shepherds must have felt when they were the first to hear about Jesus’ birth – they rushed to see the newborn Savior, filled with excitement and awe. And that joy is not just for them, it’s for us, too. Christmas, at its heart, is a celebration of joy – the joy of God's love coming into the world in such a personal way.

This is the candle I always look forward to lighting. After two weeks of waiting, this is the “cheerful” one. The joy of Christmas is contagious, and it’s a reminder to us all to live in joy, no matter what our circumstances are.

4. The Fourth Candle: The Candle of Love (Angel’s Candle)

And finally, the fourth candle, the Angel’s Candle, represents love. It’s lit on the fourth Sunday of Advent, just a week before Christmas. This candle is all about God’s love for humanity, which is revealed in the birth of Christ.

The angels proclaimed to the shepherds that night, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people." And what is this good news? That God loves us so much that He sent His Son to be with us.

I love this candle because love is the foundation of everything. It’s the reason Jesus came, and it’s the reason we celebrate Christmas. It reminds me to focus on the love in my life – not just the love of family and friends, but the unconditional love that God has for me and everyone else.

What About the Fifth Candle?

Some Advent wreaths also feature a fifth candle in the center, called the Christ Candle. It’s lit on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day, and it symbolizes the arrival of Jesus – the Light of the World. It’s a beautiful way to mark the culmination of the Advent journey.

Why the Candles Matter

Each of these four candles tells a story. Together, they capture the essence of Advent: hope, peace, joy, and love. By lighting them each week, you’re not just counting down the days until Christmas – you’re reflecting on the gifts that Christ brings to the world, and to each of us individually.

Whether you celebrate Advent in a traditional way, or just appreciate the symbolism, these four candles can serve as a reminder to slow down and reflect. As the candles burn, they bring a little more light into the world... and into our hearts.

So, the next time you see the four candles in church, take a moment to pause. Let each one remind you of the journey we’re all on and the love that awaits us at the end.

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