Advent is the season when the Church prepares to celebrate the birth of Christ and waits in hope for His return. In 2026, Advent begins on Sunday, November 29, and the Advent wreath is one of the most beautiful ways to live these four weeks as a family.
What does the Advent wreath mean?
The wreath's circle of evergreens has no beginning and no end, a sign of God's eternal love and the everlasting life we receive in Christ. Its four candles mark the four Sundays of Advent, and the light grows a little each week as Christmas, the coming of the Light of the World, draws near.
Why three purple candles and one rose?
Purple is the liturgical color of Advent, a color of prayer, penance and preparation. The rose candle is lit on the Third Sunday of Advent, Gaudete Sunday (December 13, 2026), from the Latin word for "rejoice," because Christmas is near.
- Week 1 (November 29): light one purple candle
- Week 2 (December 6): light two purple candles
- Week 3 (December 13): add the rose candle
- Week 4 (December 20): light all four candles
Some families add a white "Christ candle" in the center on Christmas Eve.
A simple family prayer
Gather around the wreath at dinner, light the candles for that week, read the Sunday Gospel or a short Bible passage, and pray together: "O come, Lord Jesus, prepare our hearts to welcome You this Christmas." Children love taking turns lighting (with help) and blowing out the candles.
Everything you need
- A complete Advent wreath set with candles (3 purple and 1 rose)
- A simple golden Advent wreath
- Advent candle set of 4 or a box of 16 taper candles for parishes and schools
See our full Advent collection, or visit our showrooms in Doral and Kendall, Miami.
