Significance of the Advent Candles
The First Sunday of Advent symbolizes HOPE. The first candle is called the Prophet’s Candle. The prophet Isaiah foretold the birth of Christ the Lord: “Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Behold, a young woman shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.” (Isaiah 7:14)
The Second Sunday of Advent symbolizes FAITH. The second candle is called the Bethlehem Candle. The prophet Micah foretold that Christ the Lord would be born in Bethlehem: “But you, O Bethlehem Ephrathah, who are little to be among the clans of Judah, from you shall come forth for me one who is to be ruler in Israel, whose origin is from of old, from ancient days.” (Micah 5:2) Mary and Joseph journeyed to Bethlehem, and it was there that Jesus was born.
The Third Sunday of Advent symbolizes JOY. The third candle is called the Shepherd’s Candle. At the birth of Christ the Lord, an angel of the Lord appeared to the shepherds and said: “Be not afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of a great joy which will come to all the people; for to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be a sign for you: you will find a babe wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.” (Luke 2:10-12)
The Fourth Sunday of Advent symbolizes PEACE. The fourth candle is called the Angel’s Candle. Suddenly, there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying: “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among men with whom he is pleased!” (Luke 2:13-14)