An Advent wreath is a circle of evergreen branches with four seasonal candles. In a typical Advent sequence, candles are lit on successive Sundays of Advent, then a white Christ candle is added at Christmas. It makes the season of preparation for Christ's birth visible in the sanctuary.
What does an Advent wreath look like?
Most Advent wreaths have a circular base of fir, pine, spruce, cedar, or another evergreen, sometimes decorated with ribbon, berries, or pinecones. The four inner candles are traditionally three violet or purple and one rose or pink. In this common pattern, evergreens represent continuing life, the unbroken circle is read as a sign of God's eternity, and violet points to preparation and repentance. The rose candle recalls the joy of Gaudete Sunday.
Symbolic details differ among congregations: some name the candles hope, peace, joy, and love, while others assign different themes or colors. The Christ candle is usually white, stands at the center of the four seasonal candles, and is lit at Christmas.
How do churches use it during Advent?
The wreath is usually placed in the sanctuary, chapel, Sunday school room, or another meeting area. On the first Sunday, one purple candle is lit, and a second is added on the second Sunday. By the third Sunday, the rose candle is lit with the purple candles and marks the joy of Gaudete Sunday. Congregations commonly have all four seasonal candles burning by the fourth Sunday and light them before the opening hymn, sing a carol at each lighting, and say a short prayer or read a passage. The Advent season explains why Christians count the weeks before Christmas.
A white Christ candle is commonly lit on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day, making the theme of Christ as the light of the world visible. In a service, the wreath stands near the altar or on a separate stand; it is a devotional decoration, not a table for the Eucharistic bread or wine.
Which churches and homes use one?
Roman Catholic churches commonly use an Advent wreath, and it also appears in Lutheran, Episcopal, Anglican, Methodist, Presbyterian, and many other Protestant congregations. In worship, it supports the church's Advent observance; in classrooms and homes, families and Sunday school classes use it to mark the weeks. Churches often display a large wreath near the entrance and smaller ones in meeting rooms; families use simple versions at home. Christmas wreaths are related decorations, but the Advent wreath is specifically associated with the weeks before Christ's birth.
What should a first-time visitor expect?
Attending a service during Advent does not require special participation. You may be invited to sing while a candle is lit, and you can remain seated during the prayer. The wreath's seasonal candles are lit according to the congregation's plan; visitors do not need to handle them. Votive candles offered for personal prayer requests are separate; follow posted directions before lighting one. A family can make an uncomplicated wreath at home, light the next candle each Sunday, and read a Christmas passage. For more help before visiting, see the guide to going to church for the first time.