The Advent wreath first appeared in Germany in 1839. Eventually, the Advent wreath would be created out of evergreens to symbolize everlasting life in the midst of winter and death. The circular shape of the wreath reminds us of God’s unending love and the everlasting life He makes possible through salvation. Advent candles can be red and white; the red being lit on weekdays and the four white candles being lit on Sundays. The red color points ahead to Jesus’ sacrifice and death. Pinecones symbolize the new life Jesus brings through His resurrection. Traditionally, families begin lighting a candle on the fourth Sunday before Christmas, and light another candle each subsequent Sunday.  The most common Advent candle tradition, however, involves four candles. A new candle is lit on each of the four Sundays before Christmas. Each candle represents something different, although traditions vary. The four candles traditionally represent hope, faith, joy, and peace. Often, the first, second, and fourth candles are purple; the third candle is rose-colored. Sometimes all the candles are red; in other traditions, all four candles are blue or white. Occasionally, a fifth white candle is placed in the middle and is lit on Christmas Day to celebrate Jesus’ birth.