St. Peter's By-the-Sea Episcopal Church
Gulfport, Mississippi

the Advent wreath is a sign of the waiting and hopeful expectation of the return in glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. The wreath, a circle, came to represent the eternal victory over death through Jesus Christ. The evergreens were a sign of the faithfulness of God to God’s people, even in death. The lighted candles were a reminder of the light Christ brought into the world.

There are four candles, one for each Sunday leading to Christmas and a fifth candle for Christmas day. There are three purple and one pink candle. The purple represents repentance. The pink symbolizes joy. When you light the candle it is customary to read a few verses of scripture that relate to meaning of the candle. 

The First Candle  a symbol of the hope we have in Christ and so it is called the Hope candle.

The Second Candle shows that Christ is the Way. Christ is the Light sent into the world to show them the way out of darkness.

The Third Candle indicates that the only lasting Joy to be found in life on earth is through Christ. All other joy is fleeting and does not last.

The Fourth Candle reminds that Jesus comes to bring Peace to both the world and to people’s hearts. Without Christ there is no peace in this world.

MORE ADVENT RESOURCES:

Advent Wreath Pamphlet Prayers and Reflections Booklet.pdf
Advent Wreath Pamphlet Prayers and Reflections – Single Pages.pdf
Prayers for Lighting Candles on the Advent Wreath1.pdf
ADVENT WREATH MAKING STEPS with Photos.pdf