
The second candle on an Advent wreath is known as the Bethlehem Candle and is usually purple. It represents peace and preparation, recalling Mary and Joseph's journey to Bethlehem and the birth of Jesus. It also symbolizes faith, spiritual reflection, and the anticipation of Christ's coming. The Bethlehem Candle is one of four candles on the wreath, each of which is lit on the four Sundays of Advent, marking the progression of the four weeks of Advent.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | Bethlehem Candle |
| Theme | Peace |
| Symbolises | Preparation for the coming king, Mary and Joseph's journey to Bethlehem, spiritual reflection |
| Colour | Purple |
| Lit on | Second Sunday of Advent |
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What You'll Learn

The Bethlehem candle
The candle is so named because it represents the journey of Joseph and Mary from Nazareth to Bethlehem, where Jesus was born. This journey is recalled in the Gospel of Luke:
> “But the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid; for see — I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people: to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign for you: you will find a child wrapped in bands of cloth and lying in a manger.’” (Luke 2:10-12)
The Advent wreath is a Christian tradition that symbolises the passage of the four weeks of Advent in the liturgical calendar of the Western church. It is traditionally a Lutheran practice, though it has spread to many other Christian denominations. The wreath is typically made of evergreen branches and placed in a central or prominent location in the home.
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Represents peace
The second candle on the Advent wreath is also known as the Bethlehem Candle and it represents peace. The candle is usually purple, and it is lit on the second Sunday of Advent. The Bethlehem Candle symbolises the journey of Mary and Joseph from Nazareth to Bethlehem before Mary gave birth to Jesus.
The candle is also said to represent the preparation for the coming king. After the division, destruction, and dispersion of the kingdom in the Old Testament, the birth of Jesus signalled that there might finally be peace on Earth. The arrival of the Messiah and his Kingdom of Peace is also reflected in the lighting of the second candle.
The Advent wreath is a Christian tradition that symbolises the passage of the four weeks of Advent in the liturgical calendar of the Western church. The wreath is typically made of evergreen branches and holds four candles, with each candle representing one of the four weeks of Advent. The lighting of the candles can be accompanied by Bible readings, devotional time, and prayers.
The Advent wreath and candles are rich in symbolism tied to the Christmas season. The circle of the wreath, which has no beginning or end, symbolises the eternity of God, the immortality of the soul, and everlasting life through Christ.
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Symbolises preparation for the coming king
The second candle on an Advent wreath is also known as the Bethlehem Candle. It is usually purple, and it symbolises peace and preparation for the coming king.
The second candle is lit on the second Sunday of Advent, and it represents faith and preparation. Micah had foretold that the Messiah would be born in Bethlehem, which is also the birthplace of King David. The Bethlehem Candle reflects Mary and Joseph's journey to Bethlehem, and the peace that Jesus, the coming king, would bring to the world.
The Advent wreath is a Christian tradition that symbolises the passage of the four weeks of Advent in the liturgical calendar of the Western church. It is traditionally a Lutheran practice, although it has spread to many other Christian denominations. The wreath is made of evergreen branches, and the four candles represent the four weeks of Advent.
The lighting of the second candle on the Advent wreath is a reminder of the peace that Jesus brought to the world and the preparation for his coming. It is a time to reflect on the faith and journey of Mary and Joseph as they travelled to Bethlehem, anticipating the birth of Christ.
The colour purple is significant during Advent, symbolising royalty, repentance, and fasting. It is a time of expectation and
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Second candle is purple
The Advent wreath is a Christian tradition that symbolizes the passage of the four weeks of Advent in the liturgical calendar of the Western church. The four candles on the Advent wreath represent the light of Christ entering the world. One candle is lit each Sunday, marking the progression of the four weeks of Advent.
The second candle is purple, and it is also called the "Bethlehem Candle". This candle symbolizes peace and preparation, reflecting Mary and Joseph's journey to Bethlehem and the peace that Jesus's coming will bring. The purple colour also symbolizes royalty, repentance, and fasting.
The second candle represents faith and reminds us of the expectation of the birth of Christ and the coming of the Messiah, as foretold by Micah. It builds on the meaning of the first candle, also known as the "Prophecy Candle", which symbolizes hope and the anticipation of Christ's coming.
The Advent wreath and candles are full of symbolism tied to the Christmas season. The circle of the wreath, which has no beginning or end, symbolizes the eternity of God, the immortality of the soul, and everlasting life through Christ.
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Lit on the second Sunday of Advent
The Advent wreath is a Christian tradition symbolizing the passage of the four weeks of Advent in the liturgical calendar of the Western church. The four candles on the wreath represent the light of Christ entering the world, with one candle lit each Sunday.
The second candle, which is also purple, is known as the Bethlehem Candle. It symbolizes peace and preparation, reflecting Mary and Joseph's journey to Bethlehem and the birth of Jesus. This candle is also associated with the idea that Jesus' coming will bring peace to Earth.
The second candle is lit on the second Sunday of Advent, and it is a time for prayer, penance, and spiritual reflection. The lighting of the candle can be accompanied by Bible readings, devotional time, and prayers. The Advent wreath is often placed in a prominent place in the home, such as a mantel or dinner table, where families can gather and reflect on the meaning of Advent.
The Advent season is a period of expectation and hope, prompting Christians to pause each day in December to remember the birth of Jesus and why he came at Christmas. The word "Advent" comes from the Latin "adventus," meaning "coming," reflecting the arrival of guests into our homes and the anticipation of their visit.
The Advent wreath and its candles are rich in symbolism, with the circle of the wreath representing God's eternity, the immortality of the soul, and everlasting life through Christ. The progression of lighting the candles each week symbolizes the increasing light as Christmas Day approaches, representing the Light of the World.
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Frequently asked questions
The second candle, also known as the Bethlehem candle, represents peace and preparation. It reflects Mary and Joseph's journey to Bethlehem and the peace that Jesus' coming brings.
The Advent wreath is a Christian tradition that symbolizes the passage of the four weeks of Advent in the liturgical calendar of the Western church. It is traditionally a Lutheran practice but has spread to other Christian denominations.
The colours of the candles vary depending on the tradition. The second candle is usually purple, symbolising preparation for the coming king.











































