What is the meaning of a Christmas Advent wreath?

An Advent wreath’s evergreen boughs form a circular shape, symbolizing continuous life, with four candles to represent the four weeks of Advent. Advent wreaths sometimes contain holly to remind Christians of the thorns in Jesus' crown when he was crucified.

Some churches use four purple candles with a large white candle in the middle of the wreath to symbolize the light of Christ, while others use three purple candles and one rose candle. The rose candle represents joy, and the purple candles represent hope, love and peace, which are the virtues of Christ. The actual origins of the Advent wreath are uncertain.