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Advent in the Catholic Church
Colours for Advent Wreath Tradition

Celebrating the season leading up to Christmas with an advent wreath is a cherished Christian symbol tradition in both Catholic and Protestant churches, bringing anticipation and spiritual reflection to the congregations seasonal preparation. For my advent bible study I am looking here at advent in the catholic church, what Church advent colours are being used, how each tradition practices Advent wreath lighting, the associated candle colors, and the meanings behind them.

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Advent in the Catholic Church
Colors for Advent Wreath Tradition

What is an Advent Wreath ?

• Most common is a circular arrangement of evergreen branches , seasonal winter foliage in the northern hemisphere , interspersed with berries and advent candles. Symbolically the circle and evergreens are signs of eternity and hope, as well as the continuity of faith.
• Sometimes an advent candle wreath is rectangular to fit space on or near the church lectern where the bible is kept to symbolize the progression of further and further illuminating the word of God
  
  

What are Advent Wreath Candles ?

• arranged in a row, starting with advent week 1, then 2, 3 and 4 and last the Christ Candle set into the wreath to be progressively lit over the four Sundays before Christmas. 

What are Catholic Church Advent Candles ?

• Advent wreath candles for the advent in the Catholic church have so far always been 5 each 
• It is been interesting to notice in two of the catholic churches I visited on my pilgrimage, that 4 candles, 3 of the purple and 1 of the pink had been lit on the first of advent. Only the white candle representing Christ remained unlit. 

✞ Advent in catholic Church

• Advent wreath candles are tall and about 2.5 inches in diameter making theme asily visible even from the back of the pews in this catholic church
• the catholic church advent candle colours are 3 in bright royal purple, 1 in pink and the centre candle in white

✞ Advent in catholic Church

• a matching bright purple lectern scarf is draped , setting off the colours of the advent wreath candles beautifully. The wreath is placed and arranged on a black wrought irion tripod stand with trailing ivy leaf foliage. 

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Catholic Tradition:
Advent in the Catholic Church

✞ Advent in the Catholic Church Lighting the Advent Wreath

• Timing: the lighting of the advent wreath candles is traditionally integrated into Sunday Mass 
• Order of lighting : One candle is lit on each Sunday of Advent, with an optional central candle (the “Christ candle”) on Christmas Eve or Day. All the catholic churches I visited had a white Christ candle in the middle of the wreath, remaining unlit during the leadup of the first advent, the second advent , the third advent and the fourth advent sunday 
• the focus of advent in the catholic church are themes of waiting, hope, and preparation for Christ’s coming, celebrating with a wreath and church advent candles

✞ Symbolism of the Church Colours for Advent in the Catholic Church

• Three purple advent wreath candles , with the colour purple symbolising for for penance, preparation and royalty 
  
• One pink/rose coloured advent wreath candle symbolizing joy and rejoicing . The pink advent candle is traditionally being lit on the third Sunday, also known as Gaudete Sunday
• A white advent wreath candle is placed as a central focus point in the middle , sometimes this candle is larger in circumference and extends higher above all the other advent candles . This is known as the Christ candle signifying Christ’s arrival and the reason for the season in the catholic church calendar.
• Advent Candle Colors and Their Meaning Summary :
  Three candles are purple, symbolizing penitence and royalty.
  The third Sunday features a pink candle, signaling joy and rejoicing.
  A white Christ candle may be used at Christmas, symbolizing Christ’s purity and arrival.

✞ Advent and the Catholic Church

• Here in this inner city Catholic church there is a lot of footfall but the church is kept open all day. I like the way they have added battery operated church advent candles so that anyone visiting can participate with safety in mind. It also allowed for the wreath to be decorated with large bold floral arrangements and fresh red and white berries as there is no risk of catching fire. 

✞ A Golden lampstand type holder , a tall stand with decorated green velvet ribbon bowed Candles Advent in catholic Church

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Catholic Tradition:
Advent in the Catholic Church Bible Study Journaling 

Catholic church colours for advent  advent bible study 

✞ Candle Color Symbolism: Traditional and Spiritual Correspondences

• Purple: Traditionally points to repentance, noble preparation, and dignity; spiritually, it hints at the effort and humility needed for inner change and reception of higher truth.
• Blue: A modern adaptation in some traditions, it represents anticipation, eternity, and faith mirroring the sky before dawn and the soul’s openness to a new spiritual beginning.
• Pink/Rose: Denotes rejoicing and a lighter, joy-filled spirit midway through Advent; also aligns with moments of spiritual confirmation and delight as enlightenment dawns.
• White: Purity, clarity, and fullness of spiritual truth used to signify the presence of Divine light when the Christ candle is lit.

✞ Advent Wreath Candles Compared
Advent in the Catholic Church  versus Protestant Practice

• Catholic Advent wreaths use three purple candles and one pink, emphasizing penitence, royalty, and joy with a white Christ candle.
• Protestant Advent wreaths often use a similar color scheme but may substitute blue for purple to emphasize hope and anticipation
• Both traditions may include a central white candle for Christmas, representing Christ as the true spiritual light.
• The order of lighting is very similar, but I have noticed all purple and the pink candle being lit on the first of advent , only the Christ candle remaining unlit until christmas. The underlying Christian themes and color meanings are very similar and are intended to all guide worshippers from spiritual preparation and repentance to joy, love, and fulfillment in Christ’s arrival.
• The advent wreath’s evolving light and symbolism provide a spiritual journey reminding everyone that the external ritual is meant to draw the Christian towards reflection as Christmas draws near.

✞ My Pilgrimage Photos from Church colours for advent in Protestant Practice

return from advent in the catholic church to advent bible study

Meaning of Yoke in the Bible 

Olive Tree in the Bible 

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