The Advent Wreath
 The Advent Wreath, a venerable European
tradition, can be a way to involve even very little children in learning
about Christian preparation - not only for celebrating Our Lord's birth, but
to make our hearts truly ready to receive Him.
The wreath's symbolism of the advent
(coming) of Light into the world is clear. The gradual lighting of the four
candles, one on each Sunday of the Advent season, combined with the
liturgical colors of the candles (purple is the penitential color used
during Advent and Lent; rose is a liturgical color used only on Gaudete
Sunday in Advent and Laetare Sunday in Lent) help to symbolize not only our
expectation and hope in Our Savior's first coming into the world, but also
in his Second Coming as Judge at the end of the world.
The wreath itself is also symbolic. The
circle of evergreen in which the candles are placed represents everlasting
life. The seedpods, nuts and cones used to decorate the wreath are symbolic
of resurrection, and fruits represent the nourishing fruitfulness of the
Christian life.
Gathering materials for the
wreath-perhaps on an outing in the park or woods, or even in the backyard-
and assembling it at home is an interesting family project in which even the
youngest children can participate.
On the first Sunday of Advent, you may
sprinkle the wreath with holy water and bless it before the first purple
candle is lit. The appropriate Advent collect can be said as the candle[s]
are lit each day of the week, followed by the blessing before meals, if you
use the wreath at mealtime. The second Sunday two purple candles are lit;
the third Sunday, two purple and one rose; and all candles are lit on the
fourth Sunday.
Children who are old enough can take
turns lighting the candles. (The littlest ones can blow them out at the end
of the meal.) If you use the wreath at mealtime, it is helpful to place it
on a tray or platter so it can be moved, and to protect the table from
candle wax.
On Christmas Day, all the greens and
decorations are replaced with fresh ones, and four new white candles,
symbolizing Christ, replace the colored ones and are burned throughout the
Christmas season. The Advent season is a good time to pray the Angelus at
family meals.
Blessing for the Advent Wreath
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. Through Christ Our Lord. Amen.
Blessing of Advent Wreaths
P. Blessed are you, O Lord our God, king
of the universe. You sent your Son to be the Light of the world and to
spread his light of love to all. Bless us and accept + these wreaths of
light made from our hands. May their ever increasing brightness be a sign to
us of the approaching nearness of your Son, that we might prepare in joy for
his humble birth in a manger and be ready to receive him at his coming again
in glory; through the same Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with
you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.
C. Amen
From Celebrating Advent and Christmas: A Sourcebook for Families.
©
2001 by Women for Faith and Family
PO Box 8326, St. Louis, MO 63132.
Ph. 314 863-8385.
web site: http://wf-f.org
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