The Advent Wreath

THE ADVENT WREATH

Do you ever wonder why we have an Advent wreath? It's always there during advent, with those four candle mom tends to and a memo that Christmas is coming soon. But, there is a SECRET code to what these candles mean. 

There are three purple candles, one pink candle, and sometimes people put a white candle in the middle. But what does it mean? 

THE FIRST CANDLE

The first candle represents hope. We can think about hope all week and be happy. There is HOPE for all of us to get to heaven, and there is HOPE for the light of the world to come, Jesus! So, let's not HOPE for presents under the tree, but that Jesus is going to be born to save us all. And, of course, we know Jesus was born, and He did save us! So we can have hope Jesus will help us get to heaven to be with Him. 

THE SECOND CANDLE

The second candle represents faith. We have faith that Jesus will come soon. We have faith that God sent His Son to us. We have faith, but sometimes in the wrong things, for example that money will bring us happiness, and that the more stuff we get the more popular we will be. Try to have faith in the right things. This week, focus on faith and what it means to you, and what good things you can put your faith in. 

THE THIRD CANDLE

Do you know what Gaudete means? It means rejoice! This Sunday you might see the priest wearing pink, and not purple like they wear on the first, second and fourth Sundays of Advent. Why is that? Because this Sunday is special! We are extra joyous this week. That's even the meaning of our candle this week-JOY! How can you be joyful this week? How can you spread JOY to people? Can you offer to give an angel tree gift at your church or give a coat that you're too big for to a coat drive? Can you play with your baby sister because she is sad? Can you set the table without being asked? The people who receive the gift will be so happy! They will be filled with JOY! 

THE FOURTH CANDLE

The fourth candle represents peace. We can be peaceful all week. How can you be peaceful? Can you mend an argument? How about choosing to be nice to someone you don't like very much? Maybe you can avoid arguments, or maybe you can play ball with your brother when she has no one to play with. Don't be PEACEFUL to get on your parents' good side so you can get more presents. Be peaceful because a little baby is about to be born. 

THE WHITE ONE 

The white one is used in some Advent Wreathes to symbolize Jesus' birth! So, on Christmas Eve, you can light this one. But, not everyone has a white candle in the center. Sometimes, people put small manger scenes inside. What can you put inside? 

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