Advent has always felt like a quiet, hopeful pause in the year– despite coming at the same time as a consumer season that relies on overstimulation. The tradition of lightning beeswax advent candles are part of the quiet and reflective tone of the season. It’s a tradition that connects us to the Church, the saints, and the enduring hope we have in Christ. These candles aren’t just seasonal decorations; they’re symbols of our faith, steeped in a history that is often forgotten.
Rediscovering the Beauty (and history) of Advent
As Advent draws near, I’m reminded of its origins. The word “Advent” itself, meaning "coming," or “Arrival” points us to Christ’s incarnation. St. Bernard of Clairvaux spoke of Advent as three comings: the first in Bethlehem, the second into our hearts, and the third at the end of time.
The Advent wreath, with its four candles nestled in a ring of evergreen, represents eternal life and the cycle of seasons. This tradition goes back to pre-Germanic people when during the dark months of the winter the pagan would light candles in expectation for the light and warmth of spring and summer. This pagan tradition, like many others, has been redeemed and is now Catholic manifestation that you are familiar with.
The Significance of Each Candle
Each week, as we gather to light another candle, we embrace the unique meaning of each one. The Church teaches that these candles, often named for the virtues they represent, help us meditate on the promises of Christ.
The First Candle: Hope
The first candle, often called the “Prophet’s Candle,” reminds us of the hope we find in God’s promises. Reflecting on the words of the prophet Isaiah—“The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light” (Isaiah 9:2)—God has always kept his promises (covenants) with his people, and the new covenant, the incarnation is the ultimate manifestation of that fidelity and reason for hope.
The Second Candle: Peace
The second candle, the “Bethlehem Candle,” represents peace. It’s both a reminder and an invitation, as in the words of St. Francis, “Lord, Make me an instrument of Thy peace. Where there is hatred, let me sow love.”
The Third Candle: Joy
On the third Sunday, known as Gaudete Sunday, we light the pink beeswax candle, symbolizing joy. Inspired by St. Paul’s words to “rejoice in the Lord always” (Philippians 4:4), this candle calls us to celebrate the joy of Christ’s impending arrival.
The Fourth Candle: Love
The final candle, the “Angel’s Candle,” represents love and brings us to the edge of Christmas. This candle reminds us that “God is love” (1 John 4:8), and that the incarnation is the ultimate act of love. It is fitting that love (charity) is the last candle because it is what all other virtue is consumed in. Charity is the end of the life of virtue, just as this candle is the last in the series that are lit.
Why Beeswax? The Symbolism in Catholic Tradition
The Church has long valued beeswax candles, seeing them as pure offerings. The General Instruction of the Roman Missal calls for the use of “natural wax” candles, which for centuries has meant beeswax. There historically was even a mandate that alter candles had a certain percentage of beeswax.As others have pointed out, the pale wax is symbolic of Christ’s humanity. It also symbolizes his purity as beeswax is only produced by virginal bees. St. Ambrose even likened the Church to a beehive, with bees as models of obedience and purity. Lighting a beeswax candle, for us, is a small yet profound way of honoring this ancient symbolism, connecting our prayer to the Mass and to centuries of believers who came before us. And on the even of the incarnation, it’s hard to imagine a better way to meditate on the coming of our Lord.
Fiat Lux! Let there be light.
