Worship Matters
The Advent Wreath
The tradition of the advent wreath probably originated among early Lutherans in Germany as a symbol of waiting and watchfulness. Candle arrangements vary but our new wreath includes three blue candles and one pink candle surrounding a larger white central Christ candle. The three candles are blue because blue is the liturgical color of the season of Advent in the Lutheran tradition. In the Catholic tradition the liturgical color for the season of Advent is purple, but Lutherans wanted to more clearly separate the penitential season of Lent, whose liturgical color is purple, from the anticipatory season of Advent.
The significance of each candle varies but the first blue candle is often considered the prophecy candle representing hope. The second blue candle is often considered the Bethlehem candle representing peace. The third week of Advent is celebrated with a pink candle considered the shepherd’s candle representing joy. The fourth week is celebrated with a blue candle often considered the angel’s candle representing love. Our advent wreath also includes larger white Christ candle representing Christ’s purity that will be lighted on Christmas Eve and on Christmas Day when it worship is held on Christmas Day. The wreath is to stand on the Gospel side (left side) of the altar. There are several traditions for when the candles are lighted. Because we have a tradition of singing a beautiful musical liturgy for the lighting of the advent candles each week, we will light the candles at the beginning of worship.
The tradition of the advent wreath probably originated among early Lutherans in Germany as a symbol of waiting and watchfulness. Candle arrangements vary but our new wreath includes three blue candles and one pink candle surrounding a larger white central Christ candle. The three candles are blue because blue is the liturgical color of the season of Advent in the Lutheran tradition. In the Catholic tradition the liturgical color for the season of Advent is purple, but Lutherans wanted to more clearly separate the penitential season of Lent, whose liturgical color is purple, from the anticipatory season of Advent.
The significance of each candle varies but the first blue candle is often considered the prophecy candle representing hope. The second blue candle is often considered the Bethlehem candle representing peace. The third week of Advent is celebrated with a pink candle considered the shepherd’s candle representing joy. The fourth week is celebrated with a blue candle often considered the angel’s candle representing love. Our advent wreath also includes larger white Christ candle representing Christ’s purity that will be lighted on Christmas Eve and on Christmas Day when it worship is held on Christmas Day. The wreath is to stand on the Gospel side (left side) of the altar. There are several traditions for when the candles are lighted. Because we have a tradition of singing a beautiful musical liturgy for the lighting of the advent candles each week, we will light the candles at the beginning of worship.
