The Advent Wreath is a liturgical symbol of Advent. It is made up of four candles: 3 violet and 1 rose.

The violet candles represent our journey of renewing our hearts through repentance and turning towards God and the birth of His Son, Jesus.

The rose candle is used on the 3rd Sunday and represents joy. This Sunday is sometimes called ’Rejoice Sunday’. Rose is a mixture of violet, the colour of preparation and purification and white the colour of glory and joy. Thus, the Third Sunday of Advent is a mixture of penance and anticipation of the joy of Christmas.

Advent comes from the Latin word “adventus” which refers to the Coming of Christ. In the liturgical season of Advent we contemplate the Coming of Jesus at Christmas, the coming of Jesus into our lives everyday and the expectation of the Final Coming of Jesus on the Last Day. The focus of Advent is the waiting for the coming of Christ in the spirit of hope.