The Advent season is a profoundly spiritual time in the Christian calendar. It is marked by prayerful waiting, hopeful anticipation, and sacred symbolism. Among the most cherished traditions of this holy season is the Advent wreath, a beautiful and meaningful symbol of Christ’s light coming into the world. But a common question among believers is: how long does the Advent wreath stay up?
To answer this question, we must explore the origin of the Advent wreath, its spiritual significance, its role in Advent Devotionals, and how it aligns with the broader liturgical calendar. This article offers a comprehensive and faith-filled examination of the tradition, extending not only to the practical timing of displaying the wreath but also to its powerful theological meaning.
As devout Christians, it is important that we approach each tradition with reverence and understanding. The Advent wreath is not just a decoration but a symbol of divine truth. Its candles represent themes like hope, peace, joy, and love — qualities central to the coming of Jesus Christ. To fully appreciate how long the Advent wreath should remain in our homes and churches, we must look deeper into its purpose and connection to the season of Advent and beyond.
In the coming sections, we will walk through the history of the Advent wreath, what each candle symbolizes, how it is used in worship and Advent Devotionals, and how its use connects to both Advent and the Christmas season. By the end, you will have a well-rounded understanding of when to put up the Advent wreath, how long it should stay up, and what it teaches us about Christ’s light and love in our lives.
The Origin of the Advent Wreath
The Advent wreath dates back to pre-Christian Germanic traditions, where people used wreaths with candles to symbolize hope during the long winter. Early Christians adopted and reinterpreted the symbol to reflect the light of Christ coming into the world. Over time, the tradition evolved into a spiritual practice beginning four Sundays before Christmas, known today as the season of Advent.
The circular shape of the wreath, without beginning or end, symbolizes God’s infinite love. The evergreen branches represent eternal life, and the candles — typically three purple and one pink — each signify a week of Advent. A fifth white candle, known as the Christ candle, is often added in the center and lit on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day.
Advent and the Liturgical Calendar
Advent marks the beginning of the liturgical year in Western Christianity. It begins on the fourth Sunday before Christmas and ends on Christmas Eve. The four Sundays of Advent are themed around the concepts of:
Hope (the Prophet’s Candle)
Peace (the Bethlehem Candle)
Joy (the Shepherd’s Candle)
Love (the Angel’s Candle)
These weeks are a time for prayer, repentance, and reflection, as we prepare to celebrate the incarnation of Christ. Advent Devotionals are often used in conjunction with lighting the Advent candles to guide Christians in daily reflection and scripture reading.
When Should the Advent Wreath Be Put Up?
The Advent wreath is traditionally put up at the beginning of Advent — that is, on the Saturday night before the first Sunday of Advent. Churches and families may place the wreath in a prominent location, such as the altar, living room, or prayer space. The first candle is lit during the first Sunday service or devotional, with additional candles lit on subsequent Sundays.
Many believers choose to incorporate Advent Devotionals as they light the candles each week, making the practice not only symbolic but deeply spiritual.
How Long Does the Advent Wreath Stay Up?
Now to the heart of the question: how long should the Advent wreath remain displayed?
The Advent wreath is traditionally kept up throughout the entire Advent season. This means it should remain in place from the first Sunday of Advent until Christmas Eve. At this point, many Christians choose to light the white Christ candle in the center of the wreath to signify the birth of Christ.
However, in many Christian traditions — particularly in homes — the Advent wreath is kept up and even used throughout the Christmas season, which liturgically begins on December 25th and lasts until the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord in early January. Some may keep the wreath up until Epiphany (January 6th), which celebrates the visit of the Magi and the revelation of Christ to the Gentiles.
Therefore, while the Advent wreath is primarily a symbol of the Advent season, there is no strict rule requiring its removal on Christmas Eve. Its continued presence during the Christmas season can serve as a powerful reminder that the light of Christ has come and remains with us.
How Advent Devotionals Complement the Wreath
The use of Advent Devotionals adds spiritual depth to the lighting of the Advent wreath. Each week’s devotional typically includes scripture readings, prayers, hymns, and reflections centered on the weekly theme — hope, peace, joy, or love.
These devotionals can be done as a family around the wreath or used for personal meditation. They not only bring clarity to the symbolism of the candles but also foster a closer walk with God during the season of preparation. As Christians light each candle, the devotional materials provide context and inspiration, anchoring the symbolic act in biblical truth and personal transformation.
Advent Wreath in the Church vs. the Home
In the church setting, the Advent wreath is often part of the liturgy, with a candle lighting ceremony held each Sunday. In some congregations, families or groups are invited to participate in the lighting and scripture reading, bringing the church community together in unified expectation of the Savior’s birth.
In the home, the Advent wreath can be a cherished family tradition. Parents may use it as a teaching tool for children, explaining the meaning of each candle and guiding them through Advent Devotionals nightly or weekly. Its presence in the home serves as a visible sign that the family is intentionally preparing their hearts for Jesus.
What Happens to the Wreath After Advent?
Once Advent ends and Christmas begins, families have several choices for how to treat the Advent wreath:
Leave the wreath in place and light the Christ candle during the Twelve Days of Christmas
Replace the purple and pink candles with white candles to reflect the purity of Christ
Transition to a Christmas centerpiece that continues the theme of light and celebration
Some Christians preserve the wreath as part of their Christmas decorations, especially if it has a central white candle that is lit throughout the Christmas season. This practice bridges the gap between the preparation of Advent and the celebration of Christmas.
Conclusion
The Advent wreath is more than a seasonal adornment. It is a rich symbol of our faith, a tool for spiritual growth, and a beacon of hope in a world that longs for Christ’s peace and joy. While tradition dictates that the wreath is used throughout Advent, its message extends well into the Christmas season and beyond.
As believers, we are called to carry the light of Christ year-round. The themes of Advent — hope, peace, joy, and love — are not confined to a few weeks but are central to the Christian life. Through practices like lighting the Advent wreath and engaging in Advent Devotionals, we draw closer to the heart of God and prepare ourselves not only for Christmas but for the second coming of Christ as well.
So how long should the Advent wreath stay up? As long as it continues to lead you and your family toward Christ — in Advent, in Christmas, and always.
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