The tradition of using wreaths as Christmas decorations dates to 16th century Germany, where Lutherans created the Advent wreath.
The wreath was a symbol of Jesus’ birth and God’s grace.
The evergreens used in the Advent wreath are a symbol of God’s “everlasting nature” or immortality.
The round shape represents eternity and green is the Church’s color of hope and new life.

The light from the candles symbolizes Christ coming as the light of the world.

John 8:12 When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”

The Prophecy Candle
Week One: Hope, Christ’s coming was foretold by the prophets.

The Shepherds’ Candle
Week Two: Love, The shepherds were the first to be told of the birth of the Messiah; the first to behold Christ and to spread the word of his birth to all.

The Angel’s Candle
Week Three: Joy, Angels appeared in the sky, announcing Christ’s birth — “Glory to God in the highest, and peace to His people on Earth” (Luke 2:14).

The Bethlehem Candle
Week Four: Peace, Mary and Joseph traveled to Bethlehem to enroll as part of the Roman census, and while they were there Jesus was born in Nazareth.

The center candle (Christ Candle) is white to represent purity and light; Christ is the light of the world.

For more great reading visit the Random Yak and the marvelous members of the Christmas Alliance!