The Liturgy Question: Adding White Candle to Advent Wreath

The Liturgy Question: Adding White Candle to Advent Wreath

Question
Hi Liturgist! A quick one, can/should the Advent candles be lit alongside the white Christmas during the Christmas season? Or do we light only the Christmas candle during the Christmas season? Many thanks. (Fr. Simon, Nigeria)

Response
Thank you, Fr.

1. There is no official universal liturgical response to your inquiry since the Advent wreath, etc. is ONLY a tradition from popular piety. It is not mandatory and not observed everywhere.

2. The Advent wreath, as its name suggests, is an element FOR Advent, a symbol of expectation. Thus, technically, it is not to be displayed (or seen) at Christmas; the waiting period is over.

3. The introduction of a white candle, the candle of Christ, the light of the world, is very recent and not part of the traditional Advent wreath ritual. Personally, I will not encourage the practice. Advent is Advent, Christmas is Christmas. Mingling the two themes, Expectation (Advent) and Fulfilment (Christmas) in a symbol (wreath) primarily expectational in origin and character, does not bring out the liturgical nuance of the changing “seasons” (scenes of life) of the liturgical year.

4. Moreover, the “Christ candle” (white candle) when it is introduced, becomes a kind of “duplicate” (of symbols) since from Christmas, the Crib (manger) takes the place of the Advent wreath. The “waiting” of the wreath is fulfilled by the baby Jesus image (Christ the Light) displayed in the crib.

5. Thus, at best, it is better not to introduce the white candle in the Advent wreath and to put away the wreath entirely once Christmas begins.

Many thanks. Please pray for me.

© Ask The Catholic Priest