The Symbol of the Advent Wreath
The word “Advent” comes from the Latin word adventus which means “coming” or “arrival.” Advent is a time of year in which Christians prepare for Christmas—the birth of Jesus, our Lord and Saviour—the arrival of the Messiah.
The Advent wreath is a sign that says, “ Be happy, have hope, the Lord is coming!”
The candles represent Christ, our coming light. The candles have little meeting unless they are lit, for with the flame they become alive and give warmth and light. As the days become shorter and the hours of daylight are fewer, we begin Advent. At the year’s darkest time, we begin to light candles to make the darkness brighter. We await the birth of the Son—the Lord of light. In this symbolic way we remember that Jesus is living and that he is coming to give us life and light.
The four candles simply represent each of the four weeks of Advent. The evergreen branches are symbols of everlasting life. In the fall, when other leaves fall and die, the evergreen remains green—it lives. This reminds us, through symbol, that Lord Jesus is our life and that he promises us everlasting life.
Advent is a time of quiet and joyful anticipation of the Lord’s coming. Let us pray that we have a change of heart and turn towards him as the centre of our families and faith community.
So… how do we use it?
A wreath is often used in homes as the focus of prayer. The Advent wreath is most appropriately lit at dinner time. Be sure to snuff out the candle after the evening meal.
On the first Sunday in Advent, gather around the Advent wreath. In silence, light the first purple candle, and pray:
Father,
we praise you for sending your Son
to save us from our sins
and to be light in our darkness.
Bless us as we gather in his name,
and bless this wreath as a sign of His light among us.
We ask this blessing through Christ our Lord.
Amen!
On the second Sunday in Advent, gather around the Advent wreath. Lighting the candle from the previous week, and one more purple candle, pray:
Heavenly Father,
look upon us with love,
and fill us with the spirit of Jesus.
Help us to love you,
and protect us this week
as we await the coming of our Lord.
We ask this grace
in the name of Jesus our Lord.
Amen!
On the third Sunday in Advent, gather around the Advent wreath. Lighting the candles from the previous two weeks, and then the rose candle, pray the above prayer in those or similar words.
On the final Sunday of Advent, lighting the candles from the prior Sundays, and finally light the last purple candle, pray the above prayer in those or similar words.