From A Student's Perspective
Candlelight and Advent
By Amelia
7th grade student
Advent, derived from the Latin word adventus, meaning “coming” or “arrival,” is a meaningful season on the Christian calendar that brings people together in anticipation of Christmas. It marks the four weeks leading up to the celebration of Jesus’ birth, and on each Sunday of those weeks, a different candle on the Advent wreath is lit. Advent invites Christians to step out of their usual routines and intentionally make space for reflection, worship, and spiritual preparation. During this time, believers focus on the themes of peace, joy, hope, love, and a deeper relationship with God as they remember both the birth of Christ and the promise of His return.
As mentioned, the four weeks before Christmas make up the season of Advent. This time of year holds great significance for Christians, as it encourages self-reflection, quiet contemplation, and spiritual renewal. Each week builds on the last, guiding people to examine their hearts and realign their focus on God. The ideas of hope, peace, joy, and love all work together to create a season centered on deepening faith and strengthening spiritual connections. Advent reminds Christians that even in moments of darkness, uncertainty, or hardship, the light of Christ continues to shine. It offers reassurance that God’s promises remain true and that His presence brings comfort, guidance, and renewal. In this way, Advent becomes a reminder of both the humble beginnings of Jesus’ birth and the ultimate hope found in His second coming.
The four candles lit each Sunday are traditionally different colors, and each carries its own symbolic meaning. The first candle, which is purple, represents hope. Commonly known as the Prophecy Candle, it honors the prophets of the Old Testament—especially Isaiah—who foretold the coming of a Messiah long before Jesus’ birth. This candle reminds Christians of the steadfast hope God’s people carried as they waited for the fulfillment of His promises. The second candle, also purple, is called the Bethlehem Candle and represents faith. It symbolizes Mary and Joseph’s journey to Bethlehem and their trust in God despite the challenges and uncertainties they faced. Lighting this candle encourages believers to strengthen their own faith and place their trust in God’s faithfulness.
The third candle, a pink one, is known as the Shepherd’s Candle and represents joy. The shift in color marks a break in the somber tone of early Advent and invites people to celebrate the joyful announcement of Jesus’ birth made to the shepherds in the fields. Its rosy shade reflects the rising sense of anticipation and reminds Christians to find joy in God’s presence and in the good news that Christ brings. The fourth candle, another purple candle, is called the Angel’s Candle and represents peace. It symbolizes the message of “peace on earth” delivered by the angels on the night of Jesus’ birth and encourages believers to seek peace in their hearts, homes, and communities. In some traditions, a fifth candle is added to the center of the Advent wreath. This candle, which is white, is known as the Christ Candle. It is lit on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day to represent the life of Jesus. Its bright, pure color symbolizes the sinless nature of Christ and celebrates Him as the Light of the World.
Candlelight serves as a powerful and beautiful representation of Advent because, much like the season itself, it is something set apart from daily life. Lighting candles requires intention and reflection, encouraging people to slow down and focus on spiritual truths. The soft glow of candlelight reflects the warmth, light, and hope that Jesus brings into the world. Advent invites Christians to remember the nativity scene and to prepare their hearts for the second coming of Christ, and candlelight naturally enhances that atmosphere of anticipation, reflection, and reverence.
Candlelight services in particular capture the spirit of Advent in a meaningful way. These services bring communities together through Scripture readings, prayers, and hymns that highlight the themes of Christ’s birth and His promised return. The songs chosen often connect directly to the meanings of the Advent candles. For example, a song like “Let There Be Peace” directly reflects the message of the Angel’s Candle, symbolizing peace. Similarly, hymns such as “Blest Be the King Whose Coming,” “O Christ the Word Incarnate,” and “Once in Royal David’s City” recall Jesus’ birth, identity, and purpose, aligning closely with the symbolism of the Christ Candle. These songs do more than tell the story of Christmas—they reinforce the spiritual truths Advent teaches and deepen the sense of reverence throughout the season.
Ultimately, Candlelight services and Advent both emphasize the same core idea: setting time apart to honor Christ. Candlelight offers a communal experience of worship and remembrance, reminding believers that Christ is the center of the season and the source of hope, peace, joy, and love. In this way, Candlelight becomes not just a tradition but a reflection of what Advent stands for: a season focused on Christ’s coming, both past and future, and a reminder that Christians are called to continually make time to love, celebrate, and draw closer to Him.
