4 Advent candles, 1 pink and 3 purple, 10". The Advent Candle Tradition: Beginning on the fourth Sunday before Christmas, a single purple candle is lit, symbolizing repentance. On the following Sunday, two purple candles are lit to symbolize the light that will come into the world with the birth of Jesus. The next Sunday, one pink and two purple candles are lit for rejoicing. On the last Sunday before Christmas one pink and three purple candles are lit giving a radiance to the church altar or to the home and celebrating the arrival of Christ.