The tradition of the Advent candles and wreath has its origins in 19th-century Germany and gradually spread to other parts of the Christian world. It was initially a way for Christians to mark the season of Advent, the period of four weeks leading up to Christmas.

The Advent wreath itself likely has pre-Christian roots in the use of evergreen wreaths as symbols of life and eternity during the dark winter months. The addition of candles became associated with Christian practices as a way to symbolize the increasing light of Christ coming into the world.

The use of candles during Advent became popular in the mid-19th century. Johann Hinrich Wichern, a Protestant pastor and educator, is often credited with the creation of the first Advent wreath. In 1839, Wichern established a home for poor children in Hamburg, Germany.

To help the children count down the days until Christmas, he created a wooden ring with 24 small candles and four larger candles. A small candle was lit each day, with the larger candles representing Sundays.

The tradition spread within Protestant communities in Germany and eventually made its way to other Christian denominations. Over time, the symbolism and practices associated with the Advent wreath and candles evolved, incorporating various themes such as hope, peace, joy, and love.

Today, the use of Advent wreaths and candles is a common practice in many Christian churches and households around the world as a way to prepare for the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ.

The Advent wreath, typically adorned with four candles, is a Christian tradition that symbolizes the anticipation and preparation for the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ.

Each candle represents a specific theme or aspect of the Advent season, and they are lit in succession on each of the four Sundays leading up to Christmas.

The significance of the four Advent candles can vary somewhat among different Christian denominations, but a common interpretation includes the following:

First Candle (Purple/Blue): Hope/Prophecy: This candle symbolizes the hope and anticipation of the coming of the Messiah. It is often called the “Prophet’s Candle” to represent the Old Testament prophets who foretold the birth of Jesus.

Second Candle (Purple/Blue): Peace/Bethlehem Candle: The second candle represents peace and is sometimes referred to as the “Bethlehem Candle” to signify the city where Jesus was born. It emphasizes the peace that Jesus brings to the world.

Third Candle (Pink/Rose): Joy/Shepherd’s Candle: The third candle is often pink or rose-coloured and represents joy. It is sometimes called the “Shepherd’s Candle” to commemorate the joy experienced by the shepherds who received the good news of Jesus' birth.

Fourth Candle (Purple/Blue): Love/Angel’s Candle: The fourth candle symbolizes love and is sometimes referred to as the “Angel’s Candle” to highlight the role of the angels in proclaiming the good news of Jesus' birth.

Some Advent wreaths also include a fifth candle in the centre, which is lit on Christmas Day or Christmas Eve. This central candle is often white and represents the purity and light of Christ.
The lighting of the candles serves as a way for Christians to reflect on the meaning of Christmas, focusing on themes of hope, peace, joy, and love as they prepare for the arrival of Christ.
Overall, the preparation for Advent is a deeply personal and spiritual journey, and different individuals and communities may incorporate various practices that resonate with their faith traditions and personal preferences. The goal is to cultivate a spirit of anticipation, reflection, and readiness for the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ.