All pray: Dear God, on this first Sunday in Advent, let this light shine brightly as the days grow shorter, so that we will be ready for your face to shine upon us at Christmas. In the Savior’s name we pray.

A new Paschal candle is blessed and lit every year at Easter, and is used throughout the Paschal season which is during Easter and then throughout the year on special occasions, such as baptisms and funerals.

You may light a prayer candle for yourself, another person, or for a situation. Bow your head in quiet solitude. Direct your prayer to God, Allah, the angels, the universe, your higher self, or to whatever source from where you draw your spiritual strength from. Say a prayer in silence.

The white candle is placed in the middle of the wreath and lit on Christmas Eve. This candle is called the “Christ Candle” and represents the life of Christ. The color white is for purity—because Christ is our sinless, pure Savior. Celebrating Advent is an excellent way to prepare your mind and heart for Christmas.

The light signifies our prayer, which is offered in faith, entering the light of God. It also shows reverence and our desire to remain present in prayer even as we continue on our day. Burning votive candles are a common sight in most Catholic churches.

The candle symbolizes light in the darkness of life especially individual life, illlumination; it is the symbol of holy illumination of the spirit of truth. Lit in times of death, they signify the light in the next world, and they represent Christ as the light.

The four Sundays preceding Christmas, which is when Christians celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, are recognized for four virtues. The candles on the Advent wreath symbolize hope, love, joy and peace. The candles are lit in that order, beginning today.

Praying with candles symbolizes the life of a Christian as an offering. When you pray with a lit candle, the flame carries your worries and requests faster. Also, candles facilitate a more natural spiritual connection to our departed loved ones and Heaven. As a Christian, it is important to learn to meditate before the Lord.

Take a piece of foil folded over several times, and wrap it around the top of the candle. Tip it slightly over the top of the candle, forming a small lip. You can do it while the candle is light, though the top will be hot. Otherwise, light it after you put the foil on.

Traditionally, the use of prayer candles is done in churches, and it represents the prayer you said being continued after you stop praying or leave the premises. It’s a nice symbol of the person’s seriousness or commitment.

Anyone can light a candle at a Catholic church. When you go into a Catholic church, you may see a table or alter of lit and unlit candles. These candles may be lit by anyone, Catholic or not, to demonstrate the intention of a person’s prayer.