ST. JOSEPH Church, Lynden ST. PETER Mission, Deming
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The Purpose and Symbolism of the Advent Wreath

​The use of the wreath and candles during Advent are a longstanding Catholic tradition that was originally adopted by Christians in the Middle Ages as part of their spiritual preparation for Christmas.
The wreath and candles are full of symbolism tied to the Christmas season. The wreath itself, which is made of various evergreens, signifies continuous life. The circle of the wreath, which has no beginning or end, symbolizes the eternity of God, the immortality of the soul, and the everlasting life we find in Christ.
Even the individual evergreens that make up the wreath have their own meanings that can be adapted to our faith. The laurel signifies victory over persecution and suffering. The pine, holly, and yew signify immortality and the cedar signifies strength and healing. The pine cones that decorate the wreath symbolize life and resurrection. The wreath as a whole is meant to remind us of both the immortality of our souls and God’s promise of everlasting life to us through Christ.
The candles also have their own special significance. The four candles represent the four weeks of 
Advent, and one candle is lit each Sunday. Three of the candles are purple because the color violet is a liturgical color that signifies a time of prayer, penance, and sacrifice.


​Lit advent candles
The
first candle, which is purple, symbolizes hope. It is sometimes called the “Prophecy Candle” in remembrance of the prophets, especially Isaiah, who foretold the birth of Christ. It represents the expectation felt in anticipation of the coming Messiah.
The second candle, also purple, represents faith. It is called the “Bethlehem Candle” as a reminder of Mary and Joseph’s journey to Bethlehem.
The third candle is pink and symbolizes joy. It is called the “Shepard’s Candle,” and is pink because rose is a liturgical color for joy. The third Sunday of Advent is Gaudete Sunday and is meant to remind us of the joy that the world experienced at the birth of Jesus, as well as the joy that the faithful have reached the midpoint of Advent.
On the fourth week of Advent, we light the final purple candle to mark the final week of prayer and penance as we wait for the birth of our Savior. This final candle, the “Angel’s Candle,” symbolizes peace. It reminds us of the message of the angels: “Peace on Earth, Good Will Toward Men.”

See you at Mass!


St Joseph Roman Catholic Church and St Peter Mission recognizes that God is with us in our diverse parish family. We follow Jesus who said, “As the Father has Sent me, So I send you.” Inspired by the lives of Mary and the saints, we love one another and serve those in need. We build our community by hearing, living, and sharing the gospel message of compassion, justice and peace.​

OFFICE Hours

M, T,  W, TH, F:
​9AM-4PM

Telephone

360.354.2334
info@stjoseph-stpeter.org
  • Parish Welcome
  • Registration | Inscripcion
  • Sacraments | Sacramentos
  • Bulletin
  • Staff | Contact Us
  • Youth Faith Formation
  • RCIA Adult Faith Formation
  • Volunteer
  • Donate
  • Current Events Blog
  • Scheduled Events
  • County Services
  • Those We Are Praying For
  • St. Peter Social Action Program
  • Catholic Resources & News
    • CD's of the Month
    • Understanding the Bible
  • Our History
  • Special Events & Ministries
  • Seasons
    • Advent