What does an advent wreath symbolize?

A wreath is from ancient times a sign of victory. The circle of the wreath reminds us of God himself, his eternity and endless mercy, which has no beginning or end--as well as everlasting life--the eternal victory we have over death through Jesus Christ. The evergreens that make up the wreath speak of God's faithfulness to his people--even in death.

On each additional Sunday of Advent a candle is lit to symbolize the light of God coming into the world through the birth of His son. The four outer candles represent the period of waiting during the four Sundays of Advent, which themselves symbolize the four centuries of waiting between the prophet Malachi and the birth of Christ.

The color of the candles: 3 of the candles are purple. Historically, the primary sanctuary color of Advent is Purple, the color of royalty to welcome the Advent of the King. The purple of Advent is also the color of suffering used during Lent and Holy Week. This points to an important connection between Jesus’ birth and death. The nativity, the Incarnation, cannot be separated from the crucifixion, the Atonement. The purpose of Jesus’ coming into the world, of the "Word made flesh" and dwelling among us, is to reveal God and His grace to the world through Jesus’ life and teaching, but also through his suffering, death, and resurrection.

The candle for the 3rd week of Advent is pink or rose, signifying rejoicing. The theme for the 3rd Sunday is "Gaudete" (Rejoice!)

The first candle is the prophets' candle. The second is the shepherds' candle. The third is the angels' candle and the fourth is the Wise Men. The center candle is white and is the Christ Candle. It is lit on Christmas. All of the candles continue to burn through Epiphany, as we celebrate the Christmas season. 

The prophets' candle draws attention to the anticipation of the coming of a Messiah that weaves its way like a golden thread through Old Testament history. God’s people were abused by power hungry kings, led astray by self-centered prophets, and lulled into apathy by half-hearted religious leaders, but God, through his true prophets, promised to send a Savior King to lead them.