Substitutes for Purple or Pink
Candles- purples (traditionally - because purple dye was very expensive, and the color or royalty) can be subsituted for blue all the Royal colors of a King.
Pink - can be substituted for Rose.
The word Advent means "coming" or "arrival". The focus is based on the celebration of Jesus' birth, the First Birht, and the anticipation of the Second Advent, when Jesus returns again.
Advent also symbolizes the spiritual journey of individuals and a congegation, as they relive Jesus' birth, that He is present in the world today, and the knowledge that He will come again.
Historically, the color Purple, the color of pentenience is used. Purple is also a symbol of Royalty. This color also symbolizes the color of suffering as used during the Lenten Season. The important connection between Jesus' birth and death. The purpose Jesus coming into the world, of the "Word made flesh" and dwelling among us.
Originally Advent was a time of penitence and fasting, and so this time shared the same colors as Lent.
Now the color shifts from Purple to Pink in the third week symbolizing the celebration of the season, an emphasis on Hope and anticipation.
We as Christians long for deliverence from the evils of the world, just as the Isrealites experienced in leaving slavery in Eqypt and moving on to the Promised Land.
1st Sunday of Advent
light one candle (purple)
2nd Sunday of Advent
light the same candle as the 1st Sunday and 1 other purple candle
3rd Sunday of Advent
light the same 2 candles as the 2nd Sunday of Advent and one more purple candle.
4th Sunday of Advent
Light the same purple candles as the 3rd Sunday of Advent and the Pink Candle.
Christmas Eve, or Day
Light the 3 purple candles and the pink candle as well as the white candle.