Q&A for How to Light the Advent Candles

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Why do I light Advent candles?

Community Answer

The lit candles are symbols that remind us that Jesus is the "Light of the world".

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Question

How long do I leave the advent candle lit?

Mary Wolfe

Community Answer

Just consider what is safe as to not have a fire hazard. Let the candles burn for as long as you are right there in front of the advent wreath. Never leave the candles burning while out of sight. The time you spend while singing, praying or meditating on the coming of the birth of Christ will be enough.

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Question

Does there have to be a white candle in the middle?

Community Answer

Having a white candle in the center is optional.

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Question

Should I leave candles lit 24/7?

Community Answer

No. If you're using LED candles, you can keep them lit as long as you like.

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Question

Can the third candle be pink instead of white?

Community Answer

The third candle should be pink. Pink symbolizes joy. he fifth candle, symbolizing Christ, is lit on Christmas Eve.

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Question

Do the candles need to be new at each lighting, or can they be used more than once?

Community Answer

The candles may be used more than once; just make sure they don't get too low or the whole thing could catch fire.

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Question

Shouldn't the candles be lit clockwise?

Community Answer

Yes, they should be. Light them as you imagine them being a clock. The first one should be the bottom left (like 8 o'clock), the second one should be the top left (like 10 o'clock), the third one (pink - top right, as 2 o'clock), and the fourth one, bottom right (like 4 o'clock). The Christ candle, in the middle, is lit at a Christmas Eve service, and on Christmas, the following week, and on Epiphany Sunday.

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Question

On the second Sunday, do I light the first candle along with the second candle?

Community Answer

Yes. Each week, you light another candle. By the end, all candles are lit.

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Question

What is the order of lighting candles?

Timber

Community Answer

On the first week, light one purple one. On the second week, light both the first purple one and the second purple one. On the third week, light the first purple one, the second purple one, and the pink one. On the fourth week, light all of them.

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Question

What if I miss lighting the first purple candle on the first Sunday?

Community Answer

Light it whenever you remember. There are no consequences for forgetting, everyone makes mistakes.

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Question

Which purple candle is first?

Community Answer

Light the purple candle opposite the pink candle on the First Sunday of Advent. If you go counter-clockwise or clockwise, you will still land on the pink candle on the 3rd Sunday of Advent.

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Question

When do I light the first candle for advent?

Community Answer

The first advent candle is lit on the first day of Advent which is 4 weeks before Christmas, or 5 if Christmas is on a Sunday.

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Question

Is there a certain time that the candles are lit?

Community Answer

The candles can be lit at anytime on each of the four Sundays of Advent. Many churches have an Advent wreath at the center of their Sunday Mass or service. Some families have one on their dining table and light the candles at their evening meal each day.

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Question

Is the pink candle in the back, front or side?

Timber

Community Answer

It does not matter very much. As long as you light it on the third week, you are okay.

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Question

What does each candle mean?

Community Answer

The candles don't have individual meanings. Together they symbolize Christmas or the Advent.

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Question

Where can I buy a wreath with candles?

Community Answer

Hallmark stores and religious stores often sell Advent wreaths. They are also available online.

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Question

What is a gaudete priest?

Community Answer

Guadete means "rejoice." The third Sunday of Advent is Gaudete Sunday, or the Sunday of Joy. There is not a gaudete priest, but the priest in the Catholic Church will wear a rose/pink colored chasuble (vestment) on that day.

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Question

Shouldn't the Advent candles be lit counter-clockwise?

Crystal

Community Answer

The pink one is supposed to be lit on the third Sunday of Advent, then the white one on Christmas Eve. Other than that, they are lit: the top purple, the bottom purple, the left rose, then the right purple. One more candle in that order is lit each week of Advent, so the top purple on the first Sunday, the top purple and bottom purple on the second, the top purple, bottom purple and left rose on the third Sunday, the top purple, bottom purple, left rose, right purple on fourth Sunday. And all 5 candles are lit in that order, plus a white one in the center on Christmas Eve. This is the way Catholics light an Advent wreath.

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Question

Why do we light the pink candle third?

Crystal

Community Answer

Because rose is for joy. This symbolizes the joy we experience as the birth of Jesus nears.

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Question

Should the altar be lit before the advent candles?

Community Answer

Yes. All altar candles are lit first.

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Question

Why do some use only white candles?

Community Answer

White represents purity. It should only be used on Christmas Eve and/or Christmas Day, as it symbolizes the birth of our Savior Jesus Christ.

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Question

Do I light the Advent candle for each meal?

Community Answer

No, after the evening meal. We focus on Christ and His willingness to come and save us. We read Bible verses, pray, and spend time enjoying the "reason for the season."

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Question

Are Advent candles still used for the New Year's Eve services?

Community Answer

We don't observe it that way. It represents a focus leading up to the true celebration of Christmas.

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Question

Am I supposed to light the candles every night, or just on Sundays?

Community Answer

It's really a matter of choice. It is better to light them on Sundays so they don't burn too low, but you can do it either way.

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Question

What if a candle burns too low to continue through Christmas? Replace or remove?

Community Answer

Replace, and you may want to rearrange the candles so that the first candle is the shortest and the rest are in size order. You may also want to consider using a candle snuffer instead of blowing the candles out. The children in our family love to snuff the candles out using the snuffer. It also adds to the ceremony of it and prevents candle wax from ending up somewhere it could do damage.

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Question

What does Gaudete mean?

Crystal

Community Answer

Gaudete means joy. This symbolizes the joy we experience as the birth of the savior nears.

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Question

When is the last day of lighting candles with the white on the center?

Timber

Community Answer

You always light the white one on Christmas Eve.

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Question

On Christmas Day, should all 4 colored candles be lit in addition to the white one?

Community Answer

Yes. Light the candles in the same order as usual, and then light the Christ candle at the end.

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Question

Should we do this as a family?

Community Answer

It's up to you, but it is recommended that you do. This can tighten family bonds by doing it together. Before lighting the candles, it would be a good idea to ask the rest of the family if they want to join in or watch.

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Question

Should I light advent candles during a funeral?

Community Answer

It's probably better to light a different kind of candles for a funeral. Unless the funeral is at Advent, you want to show your respect to the deceased.

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