By Susan G Mathis
Advent invites us to slow down—a countercultural act in a season obsessed with hurry and consumption. It teaches holy waiting—not passive delay, but an active posture of faith. Lighting each candle becomes a ritual of reflection, a chance to quiet the noise, read Scripture, and rekindle hope.
Since the 19th century, the Advent wreath has been a center of connection for many. Each week’s lighting can be accompanied by a short reading or prayer, drawing hearts together in anticipation and gratitude.
Evergreens symbolize everlasting life, even in the dead of winter. Candles bring light into darkness, representing Christ, the Light of the World.
Historically, the Advent wreath holds four candles—three purple and one pink—arranged in a circle, with an optional white “Christ candle” in the center. Each candle tells part of the Christmas story:
The First Candle – Hope (Prophet’s Candle) Lit on the first Sunday of Advent, it symbolizes the prophets’ anticipation of the Messiah and reminds us to place our hope in God’s promises.
The Second Candle – Peace (Bethlehem Candle) This candle represents peace and preparation, recalling Mary and Joseph’s journey to Bethlehem and the longing for a Savior.
The Third Candle – Joy (Shepherd’s Candle) The pink candle, lit on the third Sunday, celebrates the joy that breaks through waiting—because the Lord’s coming is near.
The Fourth Candle – Love (Angel’s Candle) The final candle represents God’s love revealed through the birth of Jesus and the message of peace proclaimed by the angels.
Lit on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day, the white candle stands for purity and the arrival of the Light of the World.
In a world of instant gratification, Advent reminds us that some of the best gifts are worth waiting for. It shifts our focus from shopping lists to soul care, from busy schedules to sacred stillness.
In my newest novel, Irish Rose Orphans’ Christmas, seven young women experience a Christmas that changes everything. As they experience Advent and prepare their hearts for a deeper calling, each young woman must face the truth of her past and the hope of her future.
How has an Advent Wreath touched your life? Leave your answer or comments on the post below and join me on the 19th for my next post.
ABOUT IRISH ROSE ORPHANS’ CHRISTMAS:
Seven young women experience their last Christmas together before stepping into lives of service. United by trials and an unbreakable bond, they’ve pledged to remain “forever sisters.” But as the season of parting approaches, buried wounds rise to the surface. When Sister Rose invites the girls to prepare their hearts during Advent for a deeper calling, each young woman must face the truth of her past and the hope of her future. This Christmas, seven orphans will discover that no matter where life leads them, love and faith will go with them.
ABOUT SUSAN:
Susan G Mathis is an international award-winning, multi-published author of stories set in the beautiful Thousand Islands in upstate NY. Susan has been published more than thirty times in full-length novels, novellas, and non-fiction books. She has sixteen in her fiction line. Susan is also a published author of two premarital books, stories in a dozen compilations, and hundreds of published articles. Susan lives in Northern Virginia and enjoys traveling the world. Visit www.SusanGMathis.com/fiction for more.
By Susan G Mathis
As the days grow shorter and winter’s chill settles in, a small circle of evergreens glows in churches and homes around the world. Its candles—some purple, one pink, and sometimes a single white—are lit week by week, marking a sacred countdown to Christmas. This is the Advent wreath, a beloved symbol of anticipation, reflection, and hope. But behind its quiet beauty lies a rich history that spans centuries and cultures, reminding us that even in the darkest seasons, light always returns.
Historically, Advent was more than a festive countdown; it was a season of repentance, reflection, and renewal. Much like Lent, early Christians used Advent as a time to fast, pray, and prepare their hearts. By the Middle Ages, the Church had formalized the four weeks of Advent, each emphasizing a different theme of preparation: hope, peace, joy, and love.
The Advent wreath as we know it today began in 19th-century Germany, credited to a Lutheran pastor named Johann Hinrich Wichern. He worked with poor children in Hamburg and wanted to teach them about the meaning of Christmas. To help them visualize the waiting period, he created a large wooden wheel adorned with candles—four for the Sundays of Advent and smaller ones for each weekday.
Over time, the idea spread through Protestant and Catholic traditions alike, evolving into the familiar wreath of evergreen branches and four candles—symbols rich with meaning.
The circle of the wreath represents God’s eternal nature—without beginning or end.
In my newest novel, Irish Rose Orphans’ Christmas, seven young women are about to experience a Christmas that will change everything. As they experience Advent and prepare their hearts for a deeper calling, each young woman must face the truth of her past and the hope of her future.
Do you use an Advent Wreath in your home or church? Leave your answer or comments on the post below and join me on the 19th for my next post.
ABOUT IRISH ROSE ORPHANS’ CHRISTMAS:
Seven young women experience their last Christmas together before stepping into lives of service. United by trials and an unbreakable bond, they’ve pledged to remain “forever sisters.” But as the season of parting approaches, buried wounds rise to the surface. When Sister Rose invites the girls to prepare their hearts during Advent for a deeper calling, each young woman must face the truth of her past and the hope of her future. This Christmas, seven orphans will discover that no matter where life leads them, love and faith will go with them.
ABOUT SUSAN:
Susan G Mathis is an international award-winning, multi-published author of stories set in the beautiful Thousand Islands in upstate NY. Susan has been published more than thirty times in full-length novels, novellas, and non-fiction books. She has sixteen in her fiction line. Susan is also a published author of two premarital books, stories in a dozen compilations, and hundreds of published articles. Susan lives in Northern Virginia and enjoys traveling the world. Visit www.SusanGMathis.com/fiction for more.
