The Advent Wreath and Candles

Beautiful traditions shared by other MIAHH moms:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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“We do our wreath, St. Andrews novena and encourage the children to make little sacrifices, pray an extra prayer or do something kind for a family member and whenever they do one of these they can place a piece of “straw” (yellow construction paper, old palms, yarn,etc) in the manger to start making a soft bed for baby Jesus”. - Anna B.
 

“We always have lit our Advent wreath every night and said prayers. It’s been the same tradition for our little family for 20 years. My kids look forward to it each year. We gather at our dining room table and read from 3 different little booklets. It’s the best part of the Advent season”. - Vicki G. B.
 

“I am so excited about advent!! It's a great way to prepare our family and hearts for Christmas. We light our Advent wreath every night before or after dinner with short prayers (found online). Matt leads the prayers and the kids take turn lighting the candles and blowing them out. It's a simple way to remind us its Advent while bringing the family together in prayer. It's the little things ladies”. - Missy D.

About the Advent Wreath and Candles:

The actual origin of the Advent Wreath is uncertain but there is evidence of pre-Christian Germanic peoples using wreaths with lit candles during the cold and dark December days as a sign of hope in the future warm and extended sunlight days of Spring.

Eventually, the Advent wreath was created out of evergreens, symbolizing everlasting life in the midst of winter and death as the evergreen is continuously green. The circle reminds us of God’s unending love and the eternal life He makes possible.

The symbolism of the Advent wreath is beautiful. The wreath is made of various evergreens, signifying continuous life. The laurel signifies victory over persecution and suffering; pine, holly, and yew, immortality; and cedar, strength and healing. The circle of the wreath, which has no beginning or end, symbolizes the eternity of God, the immortality of the soul, and the everlasting life found in Christ. The four candles represent the four weeks of Advent. Three candles are purple and one is rose. The purple candles in particular symbolize the prayer, penance, and preparatory sacrifices and goods works undertaken at this time. The rose candle is lit on the third Sunday, Gaudete Sunday which is the Sunday of rejoicing, because the faithful have arrived at the midpoint of Advent, when their preparation is now half over and they are close to Christmas.

The Advent wreath is usually lit at dinner time after the blessing of the food.

A traditional prayer proceedsas follows:

- First Sunday of Advent, the father of the family blesses the wreath, praying: “O God, by whose word all things are sanctified, pour forth Thy blessing upon this wreath, and grant that we who use it may prepare our hearts for the com- ing of Christ and may receive from Thee abundant graces. Who livest and reignest forever. Amen.” He then continues for each of the days of the first week of Advent, “O Lord, stir up Thy might, we beg thee, and come, that by Thy protection we may deserve to be rescued from the threatening dangers of our sins and saved by Thy deliverance. Who livest and reignest forever. Amen.” The youngest child then lights one purple candle.
 

- Second week of Advent: the father prays: “O Lord, stir up our hearts that we may prepare for Thy only begotten Son, that through His coming we may be made worthy to serve Thee with pure minds. Who livest and reignest forever. Amen.” The oldest child then lights the purple candle from the first week plus one more purple candle.
 

- Third week of Advent, the father prays: “O Lord, we beg Thee, incline Thy ear to our prayers and enlighten the darkness of our minds by the grace of Thy visitation. Who livest and reignest forever. Amen.” The mother then lights the two previously lit purple candles plus the rose candle.
 

- Fourth week of Advent, “O Lord, stir up Thy power, we pray Thee, and come; and with great might help us, that with the help of Thy grace, Thy merciful forgiveness may hasten what our sins impede. Who livest and reignest forever. Amen.” The father then lights al of the candles of the wreath
 

Candles can be replaced as necessary during a particular Advent Season without reblessing the reath.

After Advent and for the Christmas Season which follows immediately after, candles and ribbons can be changed to white. If you wish, the wreath itself can be freshened with new greens and decorated festively for use during the period.