B3OK

Advent wreaths contain four candles ~one for each of the four Sundays of Advent. The first candle is lit on the first Sunday of Advent and one more candle is lit oneach of the following Sundays until the fourth Sunday when all the candles burn together.

The ever increasing light given off by the candles is said to represent growing spiritual illumination and a commitment to one's faith in times of darkness. It is also said that the four candles represent the four gifts of hope, jpy, love, and peace. Others use the candles to tell the story of Jesus' birth with each representing some part of the Nativity.

Advent wreaths are usually made out of greenery and are meant to lie flat or to hand horizontally from the ceiling.

Many times the candles in the wreath are purple ~ the color of Advent ~ and there might be a white larger candle, known as the Christmas candle, placed in the center. Other popular colors for Advent candles are red and white.