ADVENT WREATH
 The use of the wreath and candles during Advent are a longstanding
 Catholic tradition that was originally adopted by Christians in the
 Middle Ages as part of their spiritual preparation for Christmas.

 The wreath and candles are full of symbolism tied to the Christmas
 season. The wreath itself, which is made of various evergreens,
 signifies continuous life. The circle of the wreath, which has no
 beginning or end, symbolizes the eternity of God, the immortality
 of the soul, and the everlasting life we find in Christ.

 Even the individual evergreens that make up the wreath have their
 own meanings that can be adapted to our faith. The laurel signifies
 victory over persecution and suffering. The pine, holly, and yew
 signify immortality and the cedar signifies strength and healing.
 The pine cones that decorate the wreath symbolize life and
 resurrection. The wreath as a whole is meant to remind us of both
 the immortality of our souls and Gods promise of everlasting life
 to us through Christ.

 The candles also have their own special significance. The four
 candles represent the four weeks of Advent, and one candle is lit
 each Sunday. Three of the candles are purple because the color
 violet is a liturgical color that signifies a time of prayer,
 penance, and sacrifice.

 Advent Candles
 The first candle, which is purple, symbolizes hope. It is
 sometimes called the Prophecy Candle in remembrance of the prophets,
 especially Isaiah, who foretold the birth of Christ. It represents
 the expectation felt in anticipation of the coming Messiah.

 The second candle, also purple, represents faith. It is called
 the Bethlehem Candle as a reminder of Mary and Josephs journey
 to Bethlehem.

 The third candle is pink and symbolizes joy. It is called the
 Shepards Candle, and is pink because rose is a liturgical color
 for joy. The third Sunday of Advent is Gaudete Sunday and is
 meant to remind us of the joy that the world experienced at
 the birth of Jesus, as well as the joy that the faithful have
 reached the midpoint of Advent.

 On the fourth week of Advent, we light the final purple candle
 to mark the final week of prayer and penance as we wait for
 the birth of our Savior. This final candle, the Angels Candle,
 symbolizes peace. It reminds us of the message of the angels:
 Peace on Earth, Good Will Toward Men.