When are the Sundays of Advent in 2026?

November 29, December 6, December 13 and December 20.

Why is one candle rose or pink?

It's for the third Sunday, called Gaudete Sunday, from the Latin for rejoice. By then Advent is about half over and Christmas is close.

In what order do you light them?

One on the first Sunday, then one more each week until all four are burning. Churches with a center candle usually light it on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day.

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What do the four Advent candles mean?

Q: What do the four Advent candles mean?

Often hope, peace, joy, love. In many churches the four candles stand for hope, peace, joy and love, with one more lit each Sunday of Advent, the season of getting ready for Christmas that begins November 29 in 2026. Names and colors vary by church. Catholic wreaths usually have three purple candles and a rose one for the third Sunday, and some Protestant churches use blue candles, change the order or add a white Christ candle in the center.

Often hope, peace, joy, love

In many churches the four candles stand for hope, peace, joy and love, with one more lit each Sunday of Advent, the season of getting ready for Christmas that begins November 29 in 2026. Names and colors vary by church. Catholic wreaths usually have three purple candles and a rose one for the third Sunday, and some Protestant churches use blue candles, change the order or add a white Christ candle in the center.

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When are the Sundays of Advent in 2026?: November 29, December 6, December 13 and December 20.
Why is one candle rose or pink?: It's for the third Sunday, called Gaudete Sunday, from the Latin for rejoice. By then Advent is about half over and Christmas is close.
In what order do you light them?: One on the first Sunday, then one more each week until all four are burning. Churches with a center candle usually light it on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day.

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Last checked Monday, November 9, from the United Methodist Church and US Catholic dioceses.

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