Advent Candle Meanings: Three Versions Explained
Understanding the Meanings of the Candles on the Advent Wreath One of the most beloved traditions of Advent: the Advent wreath—a simple circle of evergreens and candles meant to help us slow down and prepare our hearts for the coming of Christ. This is a great family tradition to start with kids when they are preschoolers and kindergarteners. Kids learn the meanings of the candles pretty quickly and are able to repeat them year after year. But if you’ve ever Googled “Advent candle meanings,” you’ve probably discovered something confusing: there isn’t just one answer. Different churches and families use different sets of meanings, and none of them are wrong. In fact, each one highlights a different part of the beauty of Christ’s coming. So let’s work through three separate options for you—including the story-shaped version my family has used for years. By the end, you’ll understand exactly what each candle represents, how the traditions developed, and how to find (or create) meaningful Scripture readings to use with your wreath. Quick Question: What is an Advent Wreath? If you’re new to the tradition, here’s the simple overview: an Advent wreath is a circle of evergreen branches with four candles around the outside—one for each week leading up to Christmas—and an optional center candle representing Christ. The tradition traces its origins all the way back to Johann Hinrich Wichern in 1839. The wreath is usually lit once a week, often on Sunday, with families or churches reading Scripture, praying, and reflecting together. The evergreens symbolize eternal life, and the growing light of the candles reminds us that the Light of the World is coming. Because the Advent wreath developed across different Christian traditions, the meanings of the four candles vary slightly. There has never been one universal “right” way to do it. Below are the three meaningful ways to observe them today. Advent Candle Meanings Version One: Hope – Joy – Peace – Love This is the possibly the oldest and most widely accepted interpretation of the Advent candles, especially in Protestant churches and family traditions. Each candle points to a core theme of Christ’s coming: This version is simple, beautiful, and easy to remember—perfect for families who want a traditional, gospel-focused approach with clear weekly themes. This one typically uses 3 purple candles and 1 pink candle (for Joy) along with the white Christ candle. Advent Candle Meanings Version Two: Prophecy – Bethlehem – Shepherds – Angels Another popular and meaningful version uses elements of Christ’s birth. Instead of focusing on themes, this framework focuses on events and characters in the Nativity story: Churches that follow the church calendar or lectionary often use versions of this approach. Some who use this version still use the traditional pink and purple candles, but others will use all white or red or other colors of candles. A New, Third, Candle Meanings Version: Prophets – Angels – Shepherds – Wise Men The third version is the one my family has used for years—a simple, story-shaped framework that follows the flow of the Christmas story from promise to fulfillment. We created this when our children were young because it was easy to remember, rooted in Scripture, and connected Christmas to the gospel, not just the manger. Here is what each candle represents: This version moves through the Nativity in a way children grasp instantly, yet it carries rich theological depth for adults. It begins with promises, moves through proclamation and witness, and ends with worship—showing the fullness of who Jesus is. Finding Readings for Different Advent Candle Meanings One of the most confusing parts of Advent is discovering that there’s no official, universal set of candle readings. Different churches, traditions, and devotional guides choose different Scriptures based on which set of meanings they use. Even the Catholic Lectionary follows a three-year cycle, meaning the readings change each year. The good news?This gives your family freedom to choose Scripture that fits the candle theme you’re using—whether traditional, narrative, or the story-shaped version above. Scriptures should be chosen prayerfully, but you are free to choose and reuse scriptures to meet your needs. If you want ideas or a place to start, here are a handful to get you started. Trusted Sources for Advent Candle Readings Free Download: Weekly Advent Readings If you want something simple and ready to use, I created a free one-page printable that pairs beautifully with the story-shaped version my family uses. It includes: Since the Prophets/Angels/Shepherds/Wise Men version doesn’t appear anywhere else online, this printable gives you a meaningful, easy-to-follow guide without needing to hunt down verses or mix and match your own. You can download the free printable for free in the shop. How to Use This In Your Home If you’re new to the tradition and you’re worried about doing it “right,” again there isn’t just one “right” way. Using an Advent wreath looks different from family to family depending on their schedules, kids’ ages, and preferences. And also, there’s no need to overcomplicate this incredibly simple tradition. Start Using Your Advent Candle Wreath Today That’s all there is to it, and it’s the simplest, easiest tradition of them all. For many families, weekly readings together are sufficient. However, for some, daily readings are preferred. Deeper Advent Study: Optional Daily Readings Many families enjoy going deeper than the weekly candle lighting by adding daily Scripture readings or a family devotional. This creates a gentle rhythm that keeps hearts focused on Jesus throughout December. If you’re looking for something simple, Christ-centered, and easy to use with kids, I’ve created two Advent resources that pair beautifully with the candle readings: Either can be used on their own or alongside weekly candle lighting for a fuller Advent rhythm. Make Room For Jesus Whether your family lights candles for Hope and Peace, for Prophecy and Bethlehem, or for Prophets and Wise Men, the heart of Advent remains the same: we are preparing room for Jesus. Every one of these traditions—old or new—points us back to