How to Use Advent Candles

Learn how to use advent candles in your home. 

Using advent candles has become a favorite tradition in our home. I did not grow up knowing anything about them, but as I learned about this tradition, I knew I wanted to implement it. There are many different ways to use advent candles in your home. These are some tips to help you get started.

This post has affiliate links in it. Read my disclosure here. 

How to Use Advent Candles

Get five candles. 

You will need five candles to be used for this. You can use real candles or battery candles. I like to use battery candles because I do not have to worry about forgetting to blow out a candle. You do not need to have the candles be specific candles. Some denominations follow specific colors for the candles, but I just use all plain candles.

I am loving battery-operated candles from Lights.com. They look real with their wax appearance. They also have actual advent candles you can purchase too.

Start on the 4th Sunday before Christmas. 

You will start with all five candles unlit. Then each Sunday leading up to Christmas, you will light one more candle. On Christmas morning you will light the final candle.

*** In 2022, we are starting this on November 27th.

Explain the purpose behind the candles. 

In the first week, I like to turn out the lights (warn your kids ahead of time so they do not freak out if you have younger kids) for just a minute. Afterward, turn on the lights and talk about what the darkness was like. As you light a candle each week, talk about what a difference the light makes. This is just like how Jesus changes things for us.

Read scripture with each candle. 

As you light each candle, it is nice to read some scripture with them. I have some verses that go with my DIY advent candles here and also have a guide to use for you and your family with the Hope & Peace Guide.

You can start this tradition at any time. If your kids are younger, they may not fully grasp it but stick with it. Over time, they will start to understand the full meaning of the candles. It is a great visual to use and a great reminder of Jesus all season long.

Get the Hope & Peace Guide to use to walk you through using advent candles. Plus it includes weekly verse cards!