The Advent Wreath
 The Advent wreath is a special symbol composed of a wreath of evergreen, in
a circle, with 4 candles, 3 purple and one pink.
One candle is lit every night during Advent. One purple one during the
first week of Advent, the second purple one nightly during the second week, and so on,
until during the fourth week all four candles are lit. Some people also place a large
white candle in the center to be lit on Christmas Day.
 The PROPHECY
CANDLE is lighted on the First Sunday of Advent and announces the waiting period that
anticipates Christmas and honors those who first spoke the promise of the Christ Child.
Their words sparked hope in the hearts of the faithful. |
 The BETHLEHEM
CANDLE is lighted the second week and is a symbol of the preparations being made to
receive and cradle the Christ Child. |
 The SHEPHERDS'
CANDLE is lighted the third week and honors those who were the first to share the Good
News. We continue to hear the Good News in word and song as we celebrate around our
star-topped Christmas trees. |
 The ANGELS'
CANDLE is lighted the fourth week and is a candle of joy and love - a reminder of the Good
News that God has graced the world in the birth of Christ. |
 The four candles represent the 4,000 years prior to Christ's coming and the
four weeks of Advent.
The
unlighted candles represent the dark ages before Christ's coming.
The purple candles are for the sorrow we feel for not loving Jesus enough.
The pink candle is for the joy surrounding the impending birth of Jesus.
The evergreen symbolizes God is with us always and will never change.
The circle symbolizes that God is eternal, with no beginning and no end.
The light of the candles reminds us that Jesus is the light of the world, and
soon we will celebrate the day of His birth.
Prayer While Lighting the Wreath
WEEK ONE
PREPARATION
“So be on the watch. Pray constantly for the strength to stand secure before the Son
of Man.”
Luke 2 1:36
IN THE FIRST WEEK OF ADVENT, we prepare, ourselves for the Lord’s coming into our
world and into our lives. We ask, ”In what area of my life do I stand at a distance
from God?” We examine our relationships with my friends, classmates, business
associates, and neighbors. Is our faith reflected in each experience of human contact? Is
love of God and neighbor the basis for our interaction with others? (Light the first
candle)
PRAYER
Almighty and loving God, we have searched our hearts and reviewed our love for Your
people. Some relationships overflow with love while others have been found wanting. Yet it
is our desire that You be a part of every human experience. We begin now to fill our
hearts with Your love and sharpen our awareness of Your presence in every moment so that
wherever we go and whatever we do, we will always stand secure before You.
Amen
WEEK TWO
PREPARATION
"Make ready the way of the Lord. Clear Him a straight path." Luke 3:4
IN THE SECOND WEEK OF ADVENT, we consider our relationships with ourselves and with
God. We ask, "Do I always appreciate the union of the divine and the human that makes
me who I am?" Are we aware of the wonder of "self," the gift bestowed upon
us by our Creator? Do we appreciate and use our talents, energies, charms, and abilities
for God’s glory? In prayer and worship, are we in touch with the divine presence
around us? (Light the second candle)
PRAYER
Almighty and loving God, You Who dwell within our hearts at every waking moment, keep
us always close to You. Help us to recognize and appreciate the gifts and talents You have
given us. Teach us to use our energies for the good of others and the glory of Your Son
Jesus, Whose promise is too precious to ignore. Keep our hearts and minds ever alert to
Your personal and loving touch in every prayer in every act of worship.
Amen
WEEK THREE
PREPARATION
“He will baptize you in the Holy Spirit and in fire.” Luke 3:16
IN THE THIRD WEEK OF ADVENT, we are called to respond to the gifts and graces we
received in our baptism. We ask, ‘Does my life today fulfill the expectations and
responsibilities of bearing the name of Christian?” What are we doing for the hungry,
the oppressed, the sick, the lonely? Do we truly care about the needs of others? Do we
accomplish cheerfully all that is expected of us in the work place or the classroom?
(Light the third candle)
PRAYER
Almighty and loving God, Your Son has taught us the way to live as Your children. We
were blessed in our baptisms with special gifts and graces, and still there are times when
we find it hard to be all that we should be. We ask for an increased awareness of the
needs of others and for the courage to stand up for those who cannot stand up for
themselves. Please, God, help us to so live in Your grace that all who know us will know
You and Your love.
Amen
WEEK FOUR
PREPARATION
“Blest is she who trusted that the Lord’s words to her
would be fulfilled.” Luke 1:45
IN THE FOURTH WEEK OF ADVENT, we consider Mary’s trust in God’s
promise, her joy in His goodness to her. We ask, “Am I ready to receive and celebrate
the coming of the Son of God? “We have considered our relationships, our love of God
and God’s love for us, and we have responded with an awakened concern for the needs
of others. Now we may echo Mary’s words: "My being proclaims the greatness of
the Lord. My spirit finds joy in God my Savior." (Light the fourth candle).
PRAYER
Almighty and loving God, soon the whole world will celebrate the birth of Your
Son Jesus. Even as we rejoice in our remembrance of His birth at Bethlehem, we find
greater comfort in His promise to come again. May our preparations for this wondrous
season remain with us, increase in us, and become as much a part of us as our breathing
and our heartbeat. Then may we say “come, Lord Jesus, we are ready”
Amen
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