Advent is a sacred season observed by many Christian traditions worldwide. It marks the beginning of the liturgical year and prepares believers spiritually for the coming of Jesus Christ. The word “Advent” comes from the Latin word adventus, meaning “coming” or “arrival.” This period, which spans the four Sundays leading up to Christmas, is a time of anticipation, reflection, and hope. But beyond the calendar dates and festive decorations, Advent holds profound spiritual significance that invites believers to meditate on God’s promises and the fulfillment of those promises in the birth of Christ.
At its core, Advent is about waiting and preparation. It encourages Christians to slow down and focus on the true meaning of Christmas, which is not merely a celebration of a historical event but a continual spiritual awakening to Christ’s presence in their lives. The season challenges believers to prepare their hearts for both the celebration of Jesus’ first coming and His promised return.
To assist believers in this spiritual journey, the Church has adopted various symbols that help express the themes of hope, peace, joy, and love. These symbols serve as visual and devotional aids that deepen understanding and enrich worship during this holy time. While there are many symbols associated with Advent, six key symbols stand out for their rich theological meanings and their ability to inspire faith through tangible reminders.
This article will explore these six symbols of Advent, examining their origins, meanings, and how they guide spiritual reflection. We will also consider how these symbols are used in devotional practices, such as Advent devotionals, which help believers connect daily with the themes of the season.
Understanding these symbols not only enriches the observance of Advent but also cultivates a deeper appreciation for the unfolding narrative of salvation. Each symbol invites us into a sacred story—one that spans from the promise of the prophets to the joyous birth of Jesus and beyond, to His promised second coming.
The Six Symbols of Advent
1. The Advent Wreath
The Advent wreath is perhaps the most recognizable symbol of the season. It is traditionally made of evergreen branches, symbolizing eternal life, and is circular to represent God’s infinite love, with no beginning or end. The wreath holds four candles—three purple or blue, representing penitence and preparation, and one pink, symbolizing joy. Some traditions add a fifth white candle in the center, known as the Christ candle, which is lit on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day.
Each candle is lit on successive Sundays, marking the progression through Advent. The light gradually increasing symbolizes the growing anticipation and hope as believers draw closer to the celebration of Christ’s birth—the Light of the World. The wreath’s circular shape also reflects the ongoing cycle of the Church year and the eternal nature of God’s promises.
2. The Advent Candles
Beyond their place in the wreath, the Advent candles themselves each hold specific meanings that align with the themes of the season:
Hope (Prophecy Candle)
Usually the first candle lit, it reminds believers of the prophets’ anticipation of the Messiah.
Peace (Bethlehem Candle)
The second candle represents the peace Christ brings.
Joy (Shepherd’s Candle)
The third candle is pink to signify joy and rejoicing.
Love (Angel’s Candle)
The fourth candle symbolizes God’s love made manifest in Jesus.
Christ Candle
The white candle, lit last, represents Jesus’ purity and light.
The gradual lighting of these candles in weekly devotions mirrors the spiritual preparation needed to receive Christ fully.
3. The Jesse Tree
The Jesse Tree is a visual representation of the genealogy of Jesus, tracing His lineage back to Jesse, the father of King David. This symbol connects the Old Testament promises with their fulfillment in the New Testament. Each day during Advent, ornaments depicting biblical figures and symbols are hung on the tree, reminding believers of the story of salvation and God’s faithfulness through generations.
The Jesse Tree invites reflection on the continuity of God’s plan and how each person in the lineage played a part in preparing for the coming Messiah.
4. The Nativity Scene
The Nativity scene, or crèche, is a vivid symbol of the incarnation—the moment God became human in Jesus. It typically includes figures representing Mary, Joseph, the infant Jesus, shepherds, angels, and sometimes the Magi and animals.
Setting up a nativity scene during Advent helps focus attention on the humble beginnings of Christ’s earthly life and invites meditation on the mystery of God dwelling among humanity. It reminds believers of the true meaning of Christmas beyond commercial celebrations.
5. The Advent Calendar
The Advent calendar is a popular symbol that offers a daily reminder of the season’s spiritual significance. Traditionally, it contains 24 small doors or windows, one for each day from December 1st to Christmas Eve, each hiding a scripture verse, a prayer, or a small treat.
This symbol encourages daily reflection and anticipation, allowing believers—especially children—to engage actively in the waiting process. It is a practical devotional tool that builds excitement while nurturing faith.
6. The Star
The star symbolizes the Star of Bethlehem that guided the Magi to Jesus. It represents divine guidance, hope, and the fulfillment of prophecy. Often placed atop Christmas trees or depicted in Advent decorations, the star serves as a reminder that Christ is the light that leads us through darkness.
The star invites believers to follow God’s leading in their spiritual lives and to recognize Christ as the true light of the world.
Conclusion: Embracing the Symbols to Deepen Advent Spirituality
The six symbols of Advent—the Advent wreath, candles, Jesse Tree, Nativity scene, Advent calendar, and star—offer rich, multi-layered meanings that deepen the spiritual journey of this holy season. Each symbol calls believers to slow down, reflect, and prepare their hearts for the coming of Christ.
These visual and devotional tools do more than decorate homes and churches; they engage the senses and spirit, making the abstract themes of hope, peace, joy, and love tangible. By embracing these symbols in worship and daily devotion, such as through Advent devotionals, believers are invited into a transformative experience that renews faith and fosters spiritual growth.
Ultimately, the symbols of Advent remind us that the season is a sacred time to anticipate God’s arrival—not only in history but in our present lives and in the promised future. They guide us to live in expectancy, ready to welcome the Light of the World with open hearts and renewed hope.
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