Advent is a time of waiting and preparation that culminates in Christmas. Each Sunday of Advent has a special meaning, in addition to the prayers and liturgical readings , this Sunday is characterized by the lighting of the last purple candle of the Crown of Advent, which is known as the “Angel Candle” or “Candle of Love.” This candle represents the love of God manifested in the birth of Jesus.
In this article, we will explore the meaning of the fourth Sunday of Advent in 2024, the symbolism of its candle color, and its main differences from the previous three Sundays.
The Meaning of the Fourth Sunday of Advent
The fourth Sunday of Advent focuses on love and service to others. This love is the foundation for the coming of Christ, who is God's ultimate gift to humanity. It invites us to reflect on how we share this love with our families, friends, and communities.
“Let us not forget that the first act of charity we can do for our neighbor is to offer him a serene and smiling face and to bring the joy of Jesus, as Mary did with Elizabeth. May the Mother of God take us by the hand, help us to rise and walk quickly towards Christmas!”
Pope Francis, Angelus December 19, 2021
In the readings and prayers On this Sunday of Advent, we see how Mary, in her visit to Elizabeth, is the bearer of this divine love. Her example inspires us to be bearers of hope and goodness in our own lives.
Related: Prayers for the Christmas Novena
The Color of the Candle
The candle lit on this fourth Sunday of Advent 2024 is purple, just like those on the first two Sundays. This color symbolizes penitence, preparation and deep spirituality.
In contrast, the third Sunday candle, known as the “candle of joy” , is pink. This change in color symbolizes a respite of joy within the waiting time.
By lighting the candle, the spiritual preparation of the Advent calendar for the arrival of Christmas is completed.
Differences with Previous Sundays
The four candles and their meaning in the Advent Wreath
| Sunday of Advent 2024 | Topic on | Candle Color and Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| First – December 1st | Promise of the coming of Christ | Address : Candle of Hope |
| Second – December 8 | Spiritual preparation to receive Christ | Address: Candle of Faith and Preparation |
| Third – December 15 | Rejoicing over the proximity of Jesus' birth | Rose: Candle of joy and hope |
| Fourth – December 22 | The Love of God manifested in Jesus | Morada: Angel Candle |
lights a candle symbolizing preparation for the birth of Jesus on December 24. Image Ai.
The fifth Advent Candle
In some families and traditions it is customary to light a fifth candle on December 25th, during Christmas. This candle is known as “Candle of Christ” and is placed right in the center of the Advent wreath. This practice has a deep meaning and is performed on December 25th, during Christmas , to celebrate the birth of Jesus, who is the “Light of the World.”
This fifth candle is usually white, symbolizing the purity and perfection of Christ, and represents the culmination of God's promise in the coming of the Messiah.
Although there is no set time to light each of the candles on the wreath, some families have the custom of lighting the fifth candle during Christmas Mass.
Reflection of the last Sunday of Advent
The fourth Sunday of Advent reminds us that God's love is the center of faith and the reason for the Christmas celebration. As the last candle on the wreath is lit, we are called to bring this love to others and to prepare our hearts for the coming of Christ.
May this last Sunday of Advent 2024 be an opportunity to renew our faith and strengthen our bonds with our loved ones.
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