Advent Wreath Traditions: The Meaning of Hope, Peace, Joy, and Love.

When we flipped the calendar to October, I found myself smiling at how quickly the year is moving. The Cubs are back in the playoffs, Sean’s football team is undefeated 🏈, and here in Chicago, the temperatures are still holding steady in the 80s (so much for sweater weather!).

And yet… Advent begins next month.

It always sneaks up on us, doesn’t it? While we’re still finishing off pumpkin spice lattes and raking leaves, the Church is already inviting us to look forward — to prepare our hearts for the coming of Christ.

A Brief History of Advent

The season of Advent has been celebrated since at least the 4th century, beginning as a time of fasting and preparation similar to Lent. The word Advent comes from the Latin adventus, meaning “coming” or “arrival.”

Over the centuries, Advent became closely tied to the four weeks leading up to Christmas, a time of expectation and hope as Christians recall the prophecies of Christ’s first coming — and look forward to His return.

The use of the Advent wreath is a more recent tradition, dating back to 16th-century Germany, when Christians lit candles to count down the weeks before Christmas.

Why Purple and Pink?

The Advent wreath has four candles: three purple and one pink. Each Sunday, another candle is lit, often with a prayer or scripture reading.

• First Week – Hope (Purple Candle): Reminds us of the prophets who foretold the Messiah and the hope His coming brings.

• Second Week – Peace (Purple Candle): Reflects the journey of Mary and Joseph to Bethlehem and the peace Christ brings to the world.

• Third Week – Joy (Pink Candle): Known as Gaudete Sunday, this candle bursts forth with joy, reminding us that the Lord is near.

• Fourth Week – Love (Purple Candle): Symbolizes the love of God made visible through the gift of His Son.

Together, the candles reflect the growing light of Christ breaking into our darkness.

A Devotional Reflection

I don’t know about you, but sometimes December feels like a whirlwind — shopping, decorating, baking, parties… It’s all good, but it’s easy to miss the quiet joy of waiting on the Lord.

That’s why I love the weekly rhythm of Advent. Lighting a candle, reading scripture, and pausing to remember: Hope. Peace. Joy. Love.

These aren’t just nice words — they’re gifts Christ brings us, gifts we can carry into the New Year.

Bringing the Meaning Home

As I was designing for this season, I wanted something simple but meaningful that could serve as a reminder right in the heart of our homes — the kitchen. That’s how the Advent Kitchen Towel: Hope Peace Joy Love was born. 💜💗

Printed in the purple and pink colors of the Advent candles, it’s a daily reminder of what each week of Advent is all about. Whether you hang it on your oven, use it during holiday baking, or gift it to a friend, I hope it helps you prepare your heart for Christmas in a tangible way.

👉 [Shop the Hope Peace Joy Love Advent Kitchen Towel Here]

This year, as the world rushes toward Christmas, let’s walk slowly through Advent. Let’s welcome the season of hope, peace, joy, and love with open hearts, ready for the One who comes to dwell among us.