Catholic tradition Advent Wreath
The Advent Wreath was originally adopted in the Middle Ages as part of the spiritual preparation for Christmas.
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The wreath and candles are full of symbolism tied to the Christmas season. The wreath is made of various evergreens, signifies continuous life. 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 we find in Christ.
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The first candle, also call the Prophecy Candle, is purple symbolizes hope. It remembers the prophets, especially Isaiah, who foretold the birth of Christ. It represents the expectation felt in anticipation of the coming Messiah.
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Suggested method of use for families:
The Advent wreath is most appropriately lit at dinner time after the blessing of the food. On the First Sunday of Advent, the head 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 coming of Christ and may receive from Thee abundant graces. Who livest and reignest forever. Amen.”
Once the wreath is blessed the head of the family then says the following prayer 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 (hope). This prayer and the lighting of the 1 purple candle can be repeated each evening until the 2nd Sunday of Advent.
During the second Sunday of Advent, the head of the family 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 (hope & faith). This prayer and the lighting of the 2 purple candle can be repeated each evening until the 3rd Sunday of Advent
During the third Sunday of Advent the head of the family 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 or another child / family member then lights the two previously lit purple candles plus the rose candle (hope, faith & joy). This prayer and the lighting of the 2 purple & 1 pink candle can be repeated each evening until the 4th Sunday of Advent
Finally, on the 4th Sunday of Advent the head of the family prays 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 head of the family then lights all of the candles of the wreath (hope, faith, joy & peace). This prayer and the lighting of the 2 purple, 1 pink & the final 3rd purple candles can be repeated each evening until December 24th
A recent modern adaptation is the inclusion of a white candle which is becoming quite popular. The white candle is placed in the middle of the wreath and lit on Christmas Eve along with the 3 purple candles and 1 pink candle. This candle is called the “Christ Candle” and represents the life of Christ. The colour white is for purity—because Christ is our sinless, pure Saviour.
The Advent wreath is most appropriately lit at dinner time after the blessing of the food. On the First Sunday of Advent, the head 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 coming of Christ and may receive from Thee abundant graces. Who livest and reignest forever. Amen.”
Once the wreath is blessed the head of the family then says the following prayer 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 (hope). This prayer and the lighting of the 1 purple candle can be repeated each evening until the 2nd Sunday of Advent.
During the second Sunday of Advent, the head of the family 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 (hope & faith). This prayer and the lighting of the 2 purple candle can be repeated each evening until the 3rd Sunday of Advent
During the third Sunday of Advent the head of the family 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 or another child / family member then lights the two previously lit purple candles plus the rose candle (hope, faith & joy). This prayer and the lighting of the 2 purple & 1 pink candle can be repeated each evening until the 4th Sunday of Advent
Finally, on the 4th Sunday of Advent the head of the family prays 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 head of the family then lights all of the candles of the wreath (hope, faith, joy & peace). This prayer and the lighting of the 2 purple, 1 pink & the final 3rd purple candles can be repeated each evening until December 24th
A recent modern adaptation is the inclusion of a white candle which is becoming quite popular. The white candle is placed in the middle of the wreath and lit on Christmas Eve along with the 3 purple candles and 1 pink candle. This candle is called the “Christ Candle” and represents the life of Christ. The colour white is for purity—because Christ is our sinless, pure Saviour.