Evergreen is traditionally used to celebrate Christmas because it is associated with eternal life. The circle, similarly, is associated with eternity, because it has not beginning or ending. It kind of seems like a strange symbol, actually, to associate with the birth of our our Lord. That is a beginning, isn't it? God has no beginning and no ending. Jesus was born and he died. He rose from the dead, conquering the death. Using wreath to commemorate his birth reiterates the truth that He is God. Even as we celebrate His humanity, we cannot forget His divinity.
The colored candles are a visual progression. Each week we light another candle. Lighting each candle we contemplate the time passing and the time passed; a beautiful juxtaposition with the wreath. Time progresses even as we contemplate eternity. Jesus was born and lived among us in our temporal world, though He is our eternal God.
The purple candles recall the penitential nature of the season. It is a time for penance and preparation. The preparations are for one of our most blessed holidays. It is therefore also a season of joy. The third candle is pink, to remind us to be joyful!
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