The Tradition of Candles
Candles are central to the tradition of Advent. The
wreath
on which candles are kept reminds us of God Himself, His
eternity and endless mercy, which has no beginning or end. And
the Candles symbolize the light of God coming into the world
through the birth of His son. The circular evergreen wreath is
decorated with five candles, four around the wreath and one in
the center. The four outer candles represent the period
of waiting during the four Sundays of Advent, which themselves
symbolize the four centuries of waiting between the prophet
Malachi and the birth of Christ.
The colors of the candles vary with different
traditions, but there are usually three purple or blue candles,
corresponding to the sanctuary colors of Advent, and one pink or
rose candle. One of the purple candles is lighted the first
Sunday of Advent, a Scripture is read, a short devotional or
reading is given, and a prayer offered. On subsequent Sundays,
previous candles are relighted with an additional one lighted.
The pink candle is lighted on the third Sunday of Advent.
The light of the candles itself becomes an important
symbol of the season. The light reminds us that Jesus is the
light of the world that comes into the darkness of our lives to
bring newness, life, and hope. It also reminds us that we are
called to be a light to the world as we reflect the light of
God's grace to others (Isa 42:6). The progression in the
lighting of the candles symbolizes the various aspects of our
waiting experience. As the candles are lighted over the four
week period, it also symbolizes the darkness of fear and
hopelessness receding and the shadows of sin falling away as
more and more light is shed into the world. The flame of each
new candle reminds the worshippers that something is happening,
and that more is yet to come. Finally, the light that has come
into the world is plainly visible as the Christ candle is
lighted at Christmas, and worshippers rejoice over the fact that
the promise of long ago has been realized.
The first candle is traditionally the candle of
Expectation
or Hope (or in some traditions, Prophecy). This draws
attention to the anticipation of the coming of a Messiah that
weaves its way like a golden thread through Old Testament
history. As God’s people were abused by power hungry kings,
led astray by self-centered prophets, and lulled into apathy by
half-hearted religious leaders, there arose a longing among some
for God to raise up a new king who could show them how to be
God’s people. They yearned for a return of God’s dynamic
presence in their midst.
And so, God revealed to some of the prophets that indeed He
would not leave His people without a true Shepherd. While they
expected a new earthly king, their expectations fell far short
of God’s revelation of Himself in Christ. And yet, the world
is not yet fully redeemed. So, we again with expectation,
with hope, await God’s new work in history, the second Advent,
in which He will again reveal Himself to the world. And we
understand in a profound sense that the best, the highest of our
expectations will fall far short of what our Lord’s Second
Advent will reveal!
The remaining three candles of Advent may be
associated with different aspects of the Advent story in
different churches, or even in different years. Usually they are
organized around characters or themes as a way to unfold the
story and direct attention to the celebrations and worship in
the season. So, the sequence for the remaining three Sundays
might be Bethlehem, Shepherds, Angels. Or Peace, Joy, Love. Or
John the Baptist, the Magi, Mary. Or the Annunciation,
Proclamation, Fulfillment. Whatever sequence is used, the
Scripture readings, prayers, lighting of the candles, the
participation of worshipers in the service, all are geared to
telling the story of redemption through God’s grace in the
Incarnation.
The third candle for the Third Sunday of Advent is
traditionally Pink or Rose, and symbolizes Joy at the
Advent of the Christ. Sometimes the colors of the sanctuary and
vestments are also changed to Rose for this Sunday. Whatever
sequence is adopted for these Sundays, the theme of Joy can
still be the focus. For example, when using the third Sunday to
commemorate the visit of the Magi the focus can be on the Joy of
worshipping the new found King. Or the Shepherds as the symbol
for the third Sunday brings to mind the joy of the proclamation
made to them in the fields, and the adoration expressed as they
knelt before the Child at the manager.
The center candle is white and is called the
Christ
Candle. It is traditionally lighted on Christmas Eve
or Day. However, since many Protestant churches do not have
services on those days, many light it on the Sunday preceding
Christmas, with all five candles continuing to be lighted in
services through Epiphany (Jan 6). The central location of
the Christ Candle reminds us that the incarnation is the
heart of the season, giving light to the world. |