which candle to light for advent

Advent is the period of four Sundays and weeks before Christmas, traditionally starting on the fourth Sunday before Christmas Day. During this time, Christians prepare for the celebration of the Nativity of Jesus and the coming of the Messiah. One way that many Christians mark the season of Advent is by lighting candles.

The tradition of lighting candles during Advent can be traced back to the early Christian church, where candles were used to symbolize the coming of the light of Christ into the world. In the Middle Ages, the tradition of the Advent wreath was introduced, which is a circular wreath made of evergreens with four candles, one for each Sunday of Advent. The candles were lit each Sunday for Advent, as a symbol of the coming of Christ and the hope and anticipation of his arrival.

Today, the lighting of Advent candles is an important part of many Christian liturgical traditions, and it is a way to mark the progress of the Advent season, by lighting one candle on the first Sunday, two on the second Sunday, and so on, until all four candles are lit on the fourth Sunday of Advent. This is a reminder of the waiting, penitence and hope for the coming of Christ.

Types of Advent Candles

The traditional Advent wreath with four candles is one of the most common and well-known types of Advent candles. These candles are typically placed in a circular wreath made of evergreens, and one candle is lit each Sunday of Advent. The four candles represent the four Sundays of Advent and the four weeks of waiting for the coming of Christ. The candle colors used for Advent wreaths vary depending on the tradition, but the most common colors are purple and pink.

Another type of candle for Advent is the Jesse Tree with 24 candles, one for each day leading up to Christmas. The Jesse Tree is a devotional practice that traces the genealogy of Jesus through the stories and characters found in the Old Testament. Each day of Advent, a new candle is lit, and a corresponding ornament or symbol is hung on the tree. This practice is a visual and tangible way to tell the story of salvation history, and to reflect on the coming of Christ.

Another popular Advent candle is the Advent pillar candle, which is a tall candle, usually with four or five sections. Each section represents one of the weeks of Advent. The candle can be lit for a short period of time each day and then extinguished until the next day.

In some places, Advent candles are also used to light a path or a staircase during the night, as a way to remember the light of Christ coming into the world.

Choosing the right Candle for Advent

When choosing an Advent candle, there are several factors to consider, such as the size, material, and fragrance of the candle.

Size:

The size of the candle is important to consider, as it will determine how long it will burn and how much wax will be used. If you plan to light the candle for a short period of time each day, a smaller candle may be suitable. If you plan to keep the candle lit for a longer period of time, a larger candle may be a better choice.

Material:

Advent candles can be made of different types of waxes, such as beeswax, soy wax, paraffin wax, and others. Each type of wax has its own properties and burn time. For example, beeswax candles have a longer burn time and a natural honey scent, while soy wax candles are a more sustainable option and have a clean burn. Paraffin wax is a by-product of petroleum and it’s not considered safe for the environment and for the health.

Fragrance:

Some Advent candles come scented, while others are unscented. If you prefer a candle with a fragrance, consider the type of scent that you like. Some popular scents for Advent candles include pine, cinnamon, and vanilla.

Wicks:

The wick of the candle is also important to consider. A wick that is too thick can cause the candle to burn too quickly and produce soot, while a wick that is too thin may not produce enough heat to keep the candle burning. Cotton wicks are most commonly used and they are considered safe.

Burn times:

Different types of waxes have different burn times. For example, beeswax candles have a longer burn time than soy wax candles. It’s important to consider the burn time of the candle when choosing one.

Safety considerations:

It’s important to follow safety guidelines when lighting candles. Keep them away from flammable materials, do not leave them burning unattended, and never leave children or pets alone with a burning candle. Additionally, make sure to choose candles that are made with natural waxes and wicks to avoid the release of harmful pollutants into the air.

Setting up your Advent candle display

Setting up an Advent candle display is a great way to create a beautiful and meaningful atmosphere in your home during the Advent season. Here are some tips for creating a beautiful and meaningful Advent candle display:

1. Choose the right location: Choose a location that is easily accessible and visible, such as a mantelpiece, a table, or a windowsill. This will make it easy to light the candles each day and to enjoy the display.
2. Incorporate other decorations: Add other decorations to your Advent candle display to make it more festive and meaningful. You can incorporate natural elements such as pinecones, evergreen branches, or holly. You can also add other Advent-related decorations, such as an Advent calendar, a nativity scene or an Advent wreath.
3. Use religious symbols: Incorporate religious symbols into your Advent candle display. For example, you can add a crucifix, an icon, or a statue of the Baby Jesus. This will add a spiritual dimension to your display and help to remind you of the true meaning of Advent.
4. Add lighting: Add lighting to your Advent candle display to create a warm and inviting atmosphere. You can use fairy lights, string lights, or even a small lamp to illuminate the display.
5. Consider the placement: Consider the placement of the candles in your Advent candle display. Place them in a way that creates a sense of progression and movement, such as arranging them in a spiral or in a line. This will help to create a sense of anticipation and movement towards the coming of Christ.
6. Personalize it: Make your Advent candle display personal and meaningful by adding personal touches such as family photos, ornaments or other sentimental items that reflect your family’s traditions and beliefs.
7. Be safe: Always follow safety guidelines when setting up your Advent candle display. Keep candles away from flammable materials, do not leave them burning unattended, and make sure to place them in a stable holder.

Lighting rituals and prayers

Lighting candles during Advent can be a meaningful and spiritual experience. Here are some suggestions for lighting rituals and prayers to use during Advent:

1. Traditional Advent prayers: Many Christian denominations have traditional Advent prayers that can be used when lighting candles. These prayers often focus on themes of hope, repentance, and the coming of Christ. Some examples include the “O Antiphons,” the “Collect for Advent,” or the “Advent Prose.”
2. Personal prayers: Creating your own personal prayers is a great way to make the lighting of candles during Advent a more meaningful and personal experience. You can use your own words to express your hopes, fears, and gratitude during this season.
3. Lighting a candle each day: You can light a candle each day of Advent, as a way to mark the progress of the season and to reflect on the coming of Christ. You can also use this time to meditate, read scripture or to say a prayer.
4. Family prayers: You can involve your family in the lighting of candles during Advent by leading a family prayer or by taking turns to light the candle and say a prayer. This can be a great way to create a sense of community and to involve children in the Advent traditions.
5. Lighting a candle in silence: you can also light a candle in silence, as a way to reflect on the coming of Christ, to meditate on the themes of Advent, or to simply enjoy the peaceful atmosphere.

It’s important to remember that the lighting of candles during Advent can be a meaningful and spiritual experience, but it’s also important to remember that the lighting of candles is a symbol and that the true focus should be on the spiritual preparations for the coming of Christ. The key is to find a lighting ritual and prayer that feels meaningful and personal to you and your family.

Conclusion

In conclusion, lighting candles during Advent is an ancient Christian tradition that symbolizes the coming of the light of Christ into the world, the hope and anticipation of his arrival, and the progress of the Advent season. It’s an important part of many Christian liturgical traditions, and it’s a way to reflect and prepare for the celebration of the Nativity of Jesus and the coming of the Messiah.

There are different types of Advent candles, each with its own meaning and significance. The traditional Advent wreath with four candles is one of the most common and well-known types of Advent candles, representing the four Sundays of Advent and the four weeks of waiting for the coming of Christ. The Jesse Tree with 24 candles, one for each day leading up to Christmas, is another popular Advent candle, used to reflect on the salvation history and the coming of Christ. Advent pillar candle, and Advent path candle are other examples of Advent candles that can be used to mark the Advent season.

When choosing an Advent candle, it’s important to consider the size, material, fragrance, wicks, burn times, and safety considerations. Each type of wax has its own properties and burn time, and it’s important to choose a candle that is safe and suitable for your needs. Additionally, natural waxes and cotton wicks are considered safer for the health and for the environment.

Setting up an Advent candle display is a great way to create a beautiful and meaningful atmosphere in your home during the Advent season. It’s important to incorporate other decorations, religious symbols, and personal touches, and to always follow safety guidelines when setting up