Advent Wreath

Advent Wreath

One tradition of the Advent season is the Advent Wreath. Keeping the custom of the Advent Wreath within our families this season is a way we can reclaim Advent and truly experience the richness and joy of waiting and watching for Christ’s coming. It’s a simple way to honor the season and can be an occasion for families to gather together in prayer and reflection in the domestic church of our homes.

We all know what an Advent Wreath looks like. A circle of greenery symbolizes life and eternity. The fragrant evergreens infuse our hearts with the pungency of life that continues to flourish despite the cold and darkness outside. The four candles of the wreath, one for each of the Sundays of the season, recall Christ as our Light and our Hope. Candles consume themselves as they burn, giving themselves up to provide us light. Christ, too, gave Himself up totally in His Sacrifice on the Cross to save us from the darkness of our sins. The Liturgical color of Advent is purple which symbolizes humility and penitence. And yet, nestled like a hidden treasure of the season is a nugget of pure joy. The third Sunday, symbolized by a rose-colored candle is called “Gaudete” Sunday. “Gaudete” means “rejoice” and is the first word of the beautiful entrance prayer sung during this day’s Liturgy of the Holy Mass. It’s interesting that this joy comes on the third Sunday. For with the lighting of the third candle, light “tips the scales” by leaving just one unlit candle remaining. Gaudete Sunday reminds us that it is Light which will overcome the darkness.

Families can use the Advent Wreath in their homes this season as a shared devotion. Traditionally, the father of the family will bless the wreath on the first Sunday of Advent, often after the meal blessing at dinnertime. Usually, the mother will light the first candle and she might also read the Gospel of the day, or some other scripture or prayer. With each successive Sunday, another candle is lit and more Gospels read as the family journeys together towards Christmas. Devotions like the Advent Wreath are wonderful opportunities for us to create family traditions which help us to remember the importance of this season. Sharing devotions at mealtime help us to pass on the richness of our faith to our children. They’ll learn from us the importance of Advent as we journey together, in watchful hope, towards Bethlehem.

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Tagged as: Advent, Advent for Children, Advent Prayers, Advent Wreath, Jesse Tree, The Holly and the Ivy