A Guide to the Meaning, Candle Colors, Prayers, and Traditions

The Advent wreath is one of the most recognizable Catholic traditions of the Christmas season. You see it in churches, schools, and homes every December. Yet many Catholics have never learned the full meaning behind its candles, colors, or prayers.

The Advent wreath isn’t just a decoration. It is a powerful symbol of hope, preparation, and anticipation that leads you week by week toward the birth of Jesus. When used intentionally, it shapes the entire rhythm of Advent and pulls your family back to what matters most.

If you want to know why Catholics use Advent wreaths and how to celebrate the season faithfully, here is the complete guide.

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The Purpose of the Advent Wreath

A Weekly Journey Toward the Light of Christ

The Advent wreath helps Catholics prepare spiritually for Christmas by marking each week with prayer, reflection, and growing light.

A symbol of Christ breaking into darkness

The wreath begins dark, with no candles lit. As each week passes, more candles are lit until the wreath shines brightly. It mirrors the way Christ enters a weary world and brings hope, peace, joy, and love.

A call to slow down

Lighting the candle each Sunday becomes a ritual that interrupts holiday noise and forces a moment of prayerful reflection.

A reminder of the liturgical season

Advent is about preparation. The wreath keeps that focus in front of your family’s eyes every week.

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Meaning of the Candle Colors

Purple, Pink, and Sometimes White

Each candle has a purpose and reflects Catholic theology.

Purple candles

Symbolize penance, preparation, and royalty
Used on
• Week 1 Hope
• Week 2 Peace
• Week 4 Love

Purple points to repentance and readiness, just like the season of Lent, though Advent is more hopeful in tone.

Pink candle

Symbolizes joy
Used on
• Week 3 Gaudete Sunday

“Gaudete” means “Rejoice.” The rose candle breaks the tone of penance with a burst of joyful anticipation.

Optional white Christ candle

Symbolizes the purity and divinity of Jesus
Lit on
• Christmas Eve
• Christmas Day

Many Catholic families place a white candle in the center of the wreath to complete the symbolism.

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The Order of Lighting Advent Wreath Candles

The Catholic Tradition

Here is the correct chronological order:

1. First Sunday of Advent – Purple (Hope)
   The Prophet’s Candle
   Represents the longing for the Messiah and the hope He brings.
2. Second Sunday of Advent – Purple (Peace)
   The Bethlehem Candle
   Reminds us of Mary and Joseph’s journey and the peace Christ offers.
3. Third Sunday of Advent – Pink (Joy)
   The Shepherd’s Candle
   Rejoice, for the Lord is near.
4. Fourth Sunday of Advent – Purple (Love)
   The Angel’s Candle
   Reflects God’s love revealed in the birth of Jesus.
5. Christmas – White Christ Candle (optional)
   Christ has come into the world.

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Traditional Catholic Prayers for the Advent Wreath

Simple prayers your family can use each week

Opening prayer

“Lord, as we light these candles, open our hearts to prepare the way for your Son. May this wreath remind us that you are the Light of the World.”

Week 1 Prayer – Hope

“O God, fill us with hope as we prepare for your coming. Strengthen our trust in your promises.”

Week 2 Prayer – Peace

“Lord Jesus, Prince of Peace, calm our hearts and bring peace to our homes and our world.”

Week 3 Prayer – Joy

“Heavenly Father, as we rejoice this week, help us see your presence in our lives and share your joy with others.”

Week 4 Prayer – Love

“God of Love, prepare our hearts to welcome your Son with love, patience, and gratitude.”

Christmas Prayer – Christ Candle

“Lord Jesus, Light of the World, thank you for coming to dwell among us. May your light guide us now and always.”

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Why Advent Wreaths Matter for Catholic Families

More than a tradition

Advent wreaths help
• Families create meaningful weekly rituals
• Kids understand the movement of the liturgical season
• Converts learn Catholic rhythm and symbolism
• Parishes unite the community through prayer
• Homes stay centered on Christ instead of holiday noise

The wreath becomes an anchor that holds December together.

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Types of Catholic Advent Wreaths

Available at Prospect Hill Company

Prospect Hill Company carries wreaths designed for Catholic homes, schools, and parishes, including
• Traditional evergreen Advent wreaths
• Tabletop metal wreaths
• Candle sets in purple, pink, and white
• Church-quality large wreaths
• Nativity-themed Advent wreaths
• Family wreath kits for teaching kids

If you want a wreath grounded in authentic Catholic tradition, this is where you’ll find it.

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How to Use an Advent Wreath in Your Home

A simple weekly ritual

1. Light the candle(s) for that Sunday
2. Read the selected Scripture passage
3. Pray the Advent prayer for that week
4. Reflect briefly on hope, peace, joy, or love
5. Let the candle burn during dinner or prayer time

This gentle weekly ritual can deepen your family’s faith through the entire season.

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Where to Buy Catholic Advent Wreaths

Make Advent Feel Sacred Again

Prospect Hill Company offers Advent wreaths, candles, calendars, and high-quality Catholic Advent essentials that bring faith to the center of your home.

Browse now at Prospect Hill.

You’ll find
• Advent wreaths
• Advent candle sets
• Scripture-based Advent calendars
• Jesse Tree calendars
• Nativity sets
• Catholic Christmas decor

Everything you need to celebrate Advent beautifully and faithfully.

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Final Thought

The Advent Wreath’s Purpose Is Clear
It brings the light of Christ closer each week.

This season becomes richer, calmer, and more prayerful when your home honors this timeless Catholic tradition.