What are Advent candles? How to Use Advent Candles for the Christmas Countdown

Four Sundays. Four flames. One countdown to Christmas.

Before the Christmas lights begin to twinkle everywhere, there is a quieter and more meaningful tradition called the Advent candle. Each flicker marks the countdown to Christmas, one Sunday at a time. It serves as a gentle reminder of hope, faith, joy, and peace—values that never go out of style.

The Advent candle tradition is one of the oldest and most heartfelt Christmas rituals, still shining brightly today.

If you’ve ever seen those purple and pink candles at church or on Pinterest and wondered what they mean, let’s light it up together.

So, where did this beautiful tradition begin?

The History of Advent Candles

The term Advent comes from the Latin adventus, meaning “coming.” It marks the arrival of Christ and embodies the anticipation of love and light that define this season.

It all began in 19th-century Germany, where families would gather around a wreath of candles, lighting one each Sunday to mark the weeks leading up to Christmas. The circle of greenery symbolized eternal life and renewal, while each new flame represented growing hope and expectation.

This heartfelt winter ritual soon spread across the world, captivating hearts everywhere. Today, people use Advent candles to bring calm, meaning, and beauty to their homes — a simple act that fills the holiday season with warmth and purpose.

If you enjoy learning about holiday candle traditions, you’ll also love the story of the Bayberry Candle and its Christmas tradition.

The Four Advent Candles — Colors, Symbols & Meaning

Each Advent candle conveys a unique message, vibrant color, and distinct feeling, standing for Hope, Peace, Joy, and Love. Together, they tell the story of the Advent season, guiding us from patient waiting to joyful celebration.

Now that you know what each candle stands for, here’s how to bring the tradition to life at home.

How to Use Advent Candles at Home

You don't need a grand church altar to celebrate Advent. All it takes is a quiet corner and a heartfelt intention. Create your own sacred space where you can reflect and connect with the season’s themes of hope and anticipation.

Let’s set it up together!
First, grab your supplies of four candles (three purple and one pink). Arrange them in a circle of evergreens or a wreath. Feeling festive? Add a white candle in the center to light on Christmas Eve.

Each Sunday of Advent, light one candle. Each flame is something special: Hope, Peace, Joy, and Love. It’s a beautiful way to reflect on the season’s meaning.

To make it personal, read a verse, play soft carols, or simply take a deep breath before lighting your candle. When Christmas Eve arrives, light them all. There’s something magical about seeing those candles glowing together, signaling that Christmas is finally here.

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“The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.”
— John 1:5

The Soundtrack of Waiting

Every Advent season comes with its own quiet playlist — songs that feel like candlelight turned into melody.

Traditional hymns like “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel,” “Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence,” and “In the Bleak Midwinter” have filled homes with hope for generations. They aren’t just carols — they’re reflections set to music, reminding us to slow down and listen.

“At this Christmas, when Christ comes, will He find a warm heart?
Mark the season of Advent by loving and serving others with God's own love and concern.”
— Mother Teresa

Other Advent Traditions Around the World 

• Advent Calendar (with tiny gifts or candles)
• Jesse Tree
• Daily Reflections or Readings
• Nativity Display
• Acts of Kindness Challenge

Why It Still Matters

Lighting an Advent candle isn’t old-fashioned; it’s grounding.
It’s a pause in the middle of December chaos, a reminder that joy, hope, and peace don’t just arrive; they grow, week by week, flame by flame.

At Colonial Candle®, we’ve been crafting that kind of light since 1909, timeless, elegant, and made for meaningful moments.

✨ Explore our Holiday Collection for more Christmas-ready tapers and jar candles.
Let each flame serve as a powerful reminder of what matters most this season: the warmth of connection, the light of hope, and the joy of togetherness.