LIGHTING THE ADVENT CANDLES AT HOME

On an Advent Wreath or Around the Nativity Crib

A Beginner’s Step-by-Step Guide to an Ancient Christian Tradition

WHAT IS ADVENT?

Advent is the season of preparation before Christmas. It is a time to prepare our hearts and homes for the celebration of the Nativity of Our Lord Jesus.

Lighting Advent candles is a beautiful Christian tradition that families can observe together. It requires no elaborate ceremony—only a few candles, the Holy Scriptures, and a willingness to pray.

WHAT DO YOU NEED?

You may choose either of the following arrangements:

Option A — An Advent Wreath

•	One wreath, traditionally made with evergreen foliage.
•	Four candles: three purple and one rose-pink.
•	One additional white candle, called the Christ Candle, placed in the centre.

Option B — Around the Nativity Crib

•	Four candles in suitable, stable holders arranged around the Nativity Crib.
•	A fifth, white Christ Candle, placed centrally if the arrangement permits.

The Advent Wreath traditionally uses evergreen foliage to signify life and hope. If placing candles around the Nativity Crib, ensure that flames are well away from straw, fabric, paper and artificial foliage. Never leave burning candles unattended. Battery-operated candles are a safe alternative.

THE MEANING OF THE FIVE CANDLES

First Candle — Hope (Purple)

Lit on the First Sunday of Advent. We remember God’s promises and look forward in hope to the coming of Jesus.

Second Candle — Preparation (Purple)

Lit on the Second Sunday. We prepare our hearts through prayer, repentance and obedience to God’s commandments.

Third Candle — Joy (Rose-Pink)

Lit on the Third Sunday of Advent, traditionally called Gaudete Sunday. We rejoice because the coming of Jesus draws near.

Fourth Candle — Love (Purple)

Lit on the Fourth Sunday. We remember God’s love and prepare to celebrate the Nativity of Jesus.

Fifth Candle — The Christ Candle (White)

Lit on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day, according to family or parish custom. The white candle represents Jesus, the Light of the World, whose Nativity we celebrate.

The names assigned to the four Advent candles vary among Christian traditions. The Christ Candle is distinct from these four candles.

HOW TO OBSERVE THE TRADITION — STEP BY STEP

Step 1 — Choose your time

Gather the family on Sunday evening, or at another convenient time on Sunday. Allow about five to ten minutes for prayer.

Step 2 — Gather around the Wreath or Crib

Keep the Bible nearby. Switch off distractions and observe a brief silence.

Step 3 — Begin with the Sign of the Cross

The family leader says:

In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen.

Step 4 — Read the Holy Scriptures

Suggested readings for each Sunday are:

•	First Sunday: Isaiah 9:2–7 — Hope.
•	Second Sunday: Isaiah 40:1–5 — Preparation.
•	Third Sunday: St. Luke 1:46–55 — Joy.
•	Fourth Sunday: St. John 3:16–17 — Love.

Use the Authorised King James Version if that is your family’s customary Bible.

Step 5 — Light the Candles

•	First Sunday: Light the first purple candle.
•	Second Sunday: Light the first and second purple candles.
•	Third Sunday: Light the first three candles, including the rose-pink candle.
•	Fourth Sunday: Light all four Advent candles.
•	Christmas Eve or Christmas Day: Light the white Christ Candle.

The candles are cumulative: each Sunday, the light increases as Christmas approaches.

Step 6 — Say the Appropriate Prayer

First Sunday — Hope

O Lord God, grant us grace to wait in hope for the coming of Jesus. May His light guide our hearts and our home. Amen.

Second Sunday — Preparation

Almighty God, prepare our hearts to receive Jesus. Turn us away from sin and teach us to walk in Thy commandments. Amen.

Third Sunday — Joy

O Lord, fill our hearts with holy joy as we prepare to celebrate the Nativity of Jesus. May our joy be shown in love and kindness towards others. Amen.

Fourth Sunday — Love

Heavenly Father, we thank Thee for Thy great love in sending Jesus into the world. Teach us to love Thee and our neighbours more faithfully. Amen.

Christmas — The Christ Candle

Almighty God, we thank Thee for the Nativity of Thy Son Jesus Christ, the Light of the World. May His light shine in our hearts and homes, and may we walk faithfully in His ways. Amen.

5. SING A HYMN (OPTIONAL)

The family may sing a familiar Advent hymn, such as:

•	O Come, O Come, Emmanuel
•	Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus
•	Hark! A Thrilling Voice Is Sounding

Singing is optional. A quiet moment of prayer is equally appropriate.

6. PRAY FOR OTHERS

Remember the sick, the lonely, the grieving, the poor, the Church, its clergy, and those who work for peace.

Conclude with the Lord’s Prayer.

7. ON CHRISTMAS DAY

Gather around the Nativity Crib, light the Christ Candle, and read the account of the Nativity from St. Luke 2:1–20.

Offer a prayer of thanksgiving for the birth of Jesus. Follow your parish’s custom concerning the removal of the Advent Wreath and the arrangement of Christmas decorations.

A FINAL WORD TO FIRST-TIME PARTICIPANTS

Do not worry about doing everything perfectly. Begin with the first candle, read the Scriptures, pray together, and continue each Sunday.

The purpose is not merely to light candles. It is to prepare our hearts and homes for the coming of Jesus.

A candle is lit in the home. A prayer is offered to God. A family prepares to celebrate the Nativity of Jesus.

A Blessed Advent to you and your family.

Cecil K. Dewars
TRUSTEE