What is the meaning of the 4 candles in Advent?
(Baonghean.vn) - The Catholic Church is starting a new liturgical season called Advent. This is a holiday that takes place about 4 weeks before Christmas, usually lasting from 22 to 28 days and having 4 Sundays starting from before Christmas Day and ending on Christmas Eve (the night of December 24).
During this time, the Catholic Church invites everyone to take time to prepare their hearts to celebrate the feast of the Lord's incarnation, the feast of the light of the righteous sun.
In addition to its own unique features, the highlight of the Catholic altar during Advent is the decoration of 4 candles symbolizing the 4 weeks before Christmas. The light of the 4 candles radiates to the 4 directions of heaven and earth in God's creative work.
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| Illustration: Internet |
Four candles surround the “Advent wreath” with green branches symbolizing eternal life. Seeds and walnuts used to decorate the wreath symbolize resurrection and fruits represent the abundant food of Christian life.
Candles symbolize the light of Christ. The four candles carry four messages to people, specifically: The first candle shines the light of Peace for souls with tolerance and kindness. The second candle brings the light of Faith for souls who long to return to God, the source of life. The third candle shines the warmth of Love for souls who seek to live in solidarity with others. The fourth candle brings Hope for souls in need of joy and excitement.
With this characteristic, the homilies for the weekdays of Advent are especially encouraged in their respective meanings. The weekdays from December 17 to 24 are directed towards a more direct preparation for the birth of Christ. The Gloria is not recited or sung on this occasion.
The four Advent candles announce Jesus' mission to come to earth as a human being.
With that humane and profound meaning, although according to Catholic canon law, the days and times of penance in the universal Church are every Friday throughout the year and during Lent. However, local authorities (Diocesan Bishops) can establish additional penitential days with the purpose of helping Catholics truly recognize their own sinful behavior and state, clearly see God's mercy and strive to live a holy life in many different ways./.
