How do we slow down and appreciate the season of Advent while preparing for Christmas? One way is by understanding the joy of the Advent wreath.

“It allows us to have a spirit of joy and at the same time remember that this is a penitential rite to prepare ourselves for the second coming of Jesus,” says Father Steve Pawelk, Glenmary’s second vice president and novitiate director.

Father Steve shares the meaning behind each part of an Advent wreath.

Wreath: The circle of the wreath represents God’s love forever; there is no beginning or end. The greenery represents life, especially in the wintertime when other trees and plants are dying. As we wait for the second coming of Jesus, there is still life.

First Candle – Hope: Can I bring hope into my life? Can I have hope in a chaotic world? Can I have hope in my own family? When things are going bad, do I know Jesus is there to help me?

Second Candle – Peace: With two international wars, many conflicts, and conflicts in our own neighbors, houses, and hearts, pray for peace. Pray for the peace that comes with Christ.

Third Candle – Joy: This rose-colored candle is a time to say, yes, we are thinking of what we need to convert to become closer to Christ, but it is also a time of joy. We are having joy in a time of waiting for Christ to come and for us to come closer to Christ.

Fourth Candle – Love: In the first letter of St. John it says, “God is love.” Jesus was sent into the world not to condemn the world, but to show the love of God for one another. Think about it! God from heaven, all powerful, with no limits, becomes a baby so he could fully embrace our way of life. So he could fully embrace the human condition and redeem it by being one of us. That is love.