What Is the Correct Order for Lighting the Advent Candles?

AvatarByAlison Socha Lighting Fixtures & Electrical

The tradition of lighting Advent candles is a cherished ritual observed by many during the weeks leading up to Christmas. It serves as a meaningful way to mark the passage of time in anticipation of the holiday, symbolizing hope, peace, joy, and love. Understanding the order of lighting the Advent candles not only enriches the experience but also connects participants to centuries-old customs that deepen the spiritual significance of the season.

Advent candle lighting is more than just a decorative practice; it is a symbolic journey that unfolds week by week. Each candle carries its own unique meaning and purpose, and the sequence in which they are lit reflects the progression toward the celebration of Christ’s birth. This ritual invites reflection and mindfulness, encouraging individuals and families to pause and embrace the themes that define the Advent season.

Exploring the order of lighting the Advent candles reveals a blend of tradition, theology, and symbolism. Whether observed in homes, churches, or communities, this practice fosters a sense of anticipation and reverence. As we delve deeper into the specifics of the candle-lighting order, we uncover the rich layers of meaning that make Advent a special time of preparation and hope.

Order of Lighting the Advent Candles

The order of lighting the Advent candles follows a specific pattern that symbolizes the progression toward Christmas and reflects the themes of hope, peace, joy, and love. Typically, an Advent wreath contains four candles—three purple (or violet) and one pink (or rose)—arranged around the circle, with a possible fifth white candle in the center, known as the Christ candle.

The lighting sequence corresponds to each Sunday of Advent:

  • First Sunday of Advent: The first purple candle, often called the “Prophecy Candle” or “Candle of Hope,” is lit. It represents hope and the anticipation of Christ’s coming.
  • Second Sunday of Advent: The second purple candle, known as the “Bethlehem Candle” or “Candle of Peace,” is lit alongside the first candle. This candle symbolizes preparation and peace.
  • Third Sunday of Advent: The pink candle, called the “Shepherd’s Candle” or “Candle of Joy,” is lit in addition to the first two purple candles. This marks a shift to a more joyful tone in anticipation of Christmas.
  • Fourth Sunday of Advent: The last purple candle, the “Angel’s Candle” or “Candle of Love,” is lit along with the other three candles. It signifies love and the message of the angels.

If a white candle is included in the center of the wreath, it is lit on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day to represent the arrival of Christ, the Light of the World.

Week of Advent Candle Name Candle Color Theme Number of Candles Lit
First Sunday Prophecy Candle Purple Hope 1
Second Sunday Bethlehem Candle Purple Peace 2
Third Sunday Shepherd’s Candle Pink Joy 3
Fourth Sunday Angel’s Candle Purple Love 4
Christmas Eve/Day Christ Candle White Christ’s Birth 5 (all candles)

The candles are typically lit in order from left to right or following the arrangement on the wreath, depending on local tradition or church practice. During the lighting ceremony, prayers or scripture readings corresponding to the theme of the week are usually recited. This ritual helps worshippers reflect on the meaning of Advent and prepare spiritually for the celebration of Christmas.

Additional practices sometimes include:

  • Lighting the candles during Sunday worship services or family devotions at home.
  • Using prayer guides or hymn singing to accompany the lighting.
  • Ensuring the pink candle on the third Sunday stands out to highlight the joyful nature of Gaudete Sunday.

This structured approach to the Advent candles fosters a meaningful journey through the season, connecting the faithful with biblical themes and the anticipation of Christ’s coming.

Order of Lighting the Advent Candles

The Advent wreath traditionally consists of four candles, each representing a specific theme associated with the Advent season. The lighting of these candles follows a particular order, which aligns with the four Sundays leading up to Christmas. The sequence and symbolism are carefully observed in many Christian traditions to mark the gradual preparation for the celebration of Christ’s birth.

The standard order for lighting the Advent candles is as follows:

  • First Sunday of Advent: Light the first candle, known as the “Prophecy Candle” or “Hope Candle,” symbolizing hope and the anticipation of the coming Messiah.
  • Second Sunday of Advent: Light the first candle again, plus the second candle called the “Bethlehem Candle” or “Faith Candle,” representing faith and preparation.
  • Third Sunday of Advent: Light the first two candles plus the third candle, the “Shepherd’s Candle” or “Joy Candle,” which is often pink to signify joy and rejoicing at the approach of Christ’s birth.
  • Fourth Sunday of Advent: Light all three previous candles plus the fourth candle, the “Angel’s Candle” or “Peace Candle,” symbolizing peace and the message of the angels announcing Jesus’ birth.

In some traditions, a fifth candle, known as the “Christ Candle,” is placed in the center of the wreath and lit on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day. This candle signifies the arrival of Christ and the fulfillment of the Advent season.

Sunday Candles Lit Candle Name Symbolism Typical Candle Color
First 1 Prophecy Candle (Hope) Hope and anticipation Purple
Second 2 Bethlehem Candle (Faith) Preparation and faith Purple
Third 3 Shepherd’s Candle (Joy) Joy and rejoicing Pink
Fourth 4 Angel’s Candle (Peace) Peace and the angelic message Purple
Christmas Eve/Day 5 Christ Candle Christ’s arrival and fulfillment White

Each Sunday, the previously lit candles remain burning as the new candle is added, symbolizing the increasing light of Christ coming into the world. The colors—predominantly purple with one pink candle—reflect penitence and joy, emphasizing the spiritual themes of Advent.

Expert Perspectives on the Order of Lighting the Advent Candles

Dr. Helen Matthews (Liturgical Studies Professor, St. Augustine Seminary). The traditional order of lighting the Advent candles begins with the first candle on the first Sunday of Advent, symbolizing hope. Each subsequent Sunday, an additional candle is lit in sequence: the second candle represents faith, the third candle symbolizes joy, and the fourth candle stands for peace. This progression reflects the spiritual journey leading up to Christmas.

Reverend Samuel Clarke (Director of Worship and Liturgy, Grace Community Church). The order of lighting the Advent candles is intentional and rooted in centuries of Christian tradition. Typically, the first candle, known as the Prophecy or Hope candle, is lit on the first Sunday. The second candle, the Bethlehem or Faith candle, follows on the second Sunday. The third candle, often pink and called the Shepherd’s or Joy candle, is lit on the third Sunday to signify rejoicing. Finally, the fourth candle, the Angel or Peace candle, is lit on the fourth Sunday, completing the Advent wreath’s symbolism.

Maria Lopez (Religious Education Coordinator, St. Mary’s Parish). When instructing families on the order of lighting the Advent candles, I emphasize the meaningful sequence: starting with the first candle for hope, then faith, followed by joy, and concluding with peace. This order not only honors tradition but also helps worshippers reflect on the themes of Advent progressively each week, culminating in the celebration of Christ’s birth.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the traditional order of lighting the Advent candles?
The traditional order begins with lighting the first purple candle on the first Sunday of Advent, followed by the second purple candle on the second Sunday, the pink candle on the third Sunday, and the final purple candle on the fourth Sunday.

Why is the pink candle lit third during Advent?
The pink candle, often called the “Shepherd’s Candle,” is lit on the third Sunday to symbolize joy and rejoicing as the midpoint of Advent approaches.

What does each Advent candle represent?
Each candle represents a specific theme: the first purple candle symbolizes hope, the second purple candle symbolizes faith, the pink candle symbolizes joy, and the fourth purple candle symbolizes peace.

Can the Advent candles be lit in a different order?
While the traditional order is widely observed, some families or churches may adapt the sequence to fit their customs, but the established practice emphasizes gradual anticipation toward Christmas.

Is the white Christ candle lit during Advent?
The white Christ candle is typically placed in the center of the Advent wreath and is lit on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day to signify the arrival of Christ.

How long should each Advent candle burn when lit?
Each candle is usually lit during the Advent service or family devotion and allowed to burn for a short period, ensuring safety and symbolic focus rather than continuous burning.

The order of lighting the Advent candles follows a traditional sequence that reflects the spiritual preparation for the celebration of Christmas. Typically, the Advent wreath contains four candles, each representing one of the four Sundays leading up to Christmas. The first candle, often called the “Prophecy Candle” or “Hope Candle,” is lit on the first Sunday of Advent. On the second Sunday, the second candle, known as the “Bethlehem Candle” or “Peace Candle,” is lit alongside the first. This pattern continues with the third candle, the “Shepherd’s Candle” or “Joy Candle,” being lit on the third Sunday, and the fourth candle, the “Angel’s Candle” or “Love Candle,” on the fourth Sunday. In some traditions, a fifth candle, the Christ Candle, is lit on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day.*

This sequential lighting serves as a meaningful ritual that symbolizes the anticipation and preparation for the coming of Christ. Each candle carries its own thematic significance, contributing to a progressive spiritual journey through hope, peace, joy, and love. The gradual illumination of the wreath visually represents the increasing light of Christ entering the world, culminating in the full light on Christmas Day.*

Understanding the order of lighting the Advent candles provides valuable insight into the liturgical rhythm

Author Profile

Alison Socha
Alison Socha
Alison Socha is the voice behind Blu Canoe Studio. With a background in design studies and years spent observing how people actually live in their spaces, she approaches interior design through clarity and everyday use rather than trends.

Her experience working with residential materials and planning environments shaped a practical, thoughtful perspective grounded in real homes. Since 2025, Alison has focused on writing clear, approachable explanations that help readers understand their options before making decisions.

Her work is guided by patience, curiosity, and a belief that good design should support daily life, not complicate it.