What do Lutherans believe that the Advent candles in the Advent wreath mean or represent?
During the four weeks leading up to Christmas, Lutherans celebrate Advent. Part of the tradition is to have an Advent wreath with four candles arranged around the circle and one candle in the middle. Lutherans light one candle on the first Sunday and an additional candle each Sunday. The last candle is lit on Christmas Eve.HistoryAccording to the Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod, “The traditional use of Advent candles (sometimes held in a wreath) originated in eastern Germany even prior to the Reformation.”SignificanceIn the northern hemisphere, the season of Advent is celebrated at the darkest time of year. By lighting an additional candle each week, you increase the amount of light that is produced. This symbolizes the light of Christ coming into the world on Christmas.SymbolismIn most Lutheran churches, the four candles around the wreath are the same color and the one in the middle is white. The color of the four candles is not standard throughout Lutheran churches. According to the