The use of blue helps distinguish Advent from the other special penitential season of preparation, Lent . The Advent wreath is one of the most popular symbols used by Christians during the season of Advent. These wreaths, consisting of a circle of evergreen branches set around four candles, are used in both churches and Christian homes. The evergreen circle stands for the eternal life that Christ has won for all believers. The colors of the Advent candles vary.
Some churches use four blue candles to emphasize the hopeful anticipation of the season.
Others follow an older custom of three purple candles and one pink candle. The purple signifies that Advent is a season of repentance as well as expectation. A purple candle is lit on the first Sunday of Advent, with another one lit on each succeeding Sunday. The joyfully colored pink candle is reserved for the third Sunday of Advent, Gaudete Sunday. In addition to the four Advent candles, most Advent wreaths also have a larger, white candle in the center called the Christ candle.