A lovely way to get the family in the mood for the real reason for Christmas is to set up an Advent Wreath in your home in addition to all of your other Christmas decorations.
Lighting your Advent candles can be as simple or as elaborate as you wish to make it. You can include prayers, scripture reading, and singing if you wish. It is important, though, that everyone in the family feel included in this tradition, especially if you have young children. This will help give them an appreciation for the true meaning of Christmas.
The Advent Wreath is made up of an evergreen garland with five candles; 3 purple and 1 pink around the outside and 1 white in the center.
On the Sunday closest to November 30th set up your advent wreath. Before you prepare your wreath you may wish to have a blessing over it, “Father, today we begin our time of preparation for the birthday of your Son. We ask you to bless this wreath, and grant that as we use it we may receive abundant graces. Amen.”
Place your garland on a table with 2 purple candles, then the pink candle, then the last purple candle in a circle. The white candle goes in the middle. You may wish to place some sort of place mat under the wreath so that wax does not get on your table.
The 1st Sunday of Advent is Hope (or Prophecy). It is the time when we look at the passages that foretold of Jesus’ coming. Usually you will wish to start out with a prayer of thanks. “God, thank you for sending your Son, Jesus as our hope of Salvation.” Then light the first purple candle and explain why it symbolizes Hope. You may wish to read from any of the following passages: Isaiah 64:1-9, Psalm 80:1-7, 17-19, 1 Corinthians 1:3-9, Mark 13:24-37. A fitting song is “O Come, O Come Emmanuel”. Blow out the candle at the end.
The 2nd Sunday of Advent is Love. It is the time when we look at the passages that tell of Mary first learning of carrying Jesus, when He first came into the world. It is the time when God blessed us with the greatest gift of Love ever given. Re-light the Hope candle from the previous week, then say a prayer giving thanks to God for the gift of love He bestowed. You may also wish to give thanks for all those that you love here on this earth. “Lord, thank you for loving me enough to send me the gift of your Son, for loving me so much that you would give me everyone that I love.” Then light the second purple candle, and explain why it symbolizes Love. You may wish to read from any of the following passages: Isaiah 40:1-11, Psalm 85:1-2, 8-13, 2 Peter 3:8-15a, Mark 1:1-8. “Away in a Manger” or “O Come All Ye Faithful” are appropriate for this Sunday. Blow out both candles.
The 3rd Sunday of Advent is Joy. This is when we look at how Jesus brought joy and celebration into our lives. Relight the Hope and Love candles from the weeks before. Then have a prayer of praise to God. “Lord, you are wonderful and amazing! You have given us many gifts and cared for us through all times. We celebrate Christmas in Your honor and give You the glory!” Light the pink candle and explain what it means to have Joy. Passages that you may wish to read from are: Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11, Psalm 126, Luke 1:47-55, 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24, John 1:6-8, 19-28. Sing “Joy to the World” and “Hark the Herald Angels Sing”. Blow out the candles.
The 4th Sunday of Advent is Peace. This is what Jesus came to us for. Relight all 3 of the previous candles. Send up a prayer for peace. You may wish to give thanks for the peace that we individually experience through Jesus Christ as well as praying for peace throughout the world. “God, thank you for the peace of heart you have given me through Salvation. Please be with our soldiers this holiday season that are still overseas. Protect them and watch over them and give them peace of mind and heart as they are away from their families.” Light the last purple candle and discuss what peace means to each of you. Read from the Bible: 2 Samuel 7:1-11, 16, Psalm 89:1-4, 19-26, Luke 1:47-55, Romans 16:25-27, Luke 1:26-38. Hold hands with your family and sing “Silent Night” and “It Came Upon a Midnight Clear”. Blow out the candles.
The final candle is lit on Christmas morning. It is up to you whether you do this before or after all the other festivities, but be sure not to rush it. Make it a very special time for your family. Sit everyone down around your Advent Wreath when you have time to devote to it. Light the candles in order: Hope, Love, Joy, Peace. Then say a prayer to God for Christmas Day. “Dear Lord, thank you for this Christmas Day, for this day we have together as a family, for this day we have as Your children.” Light the white Christ candle. Read the Christmas story; Luke 2: 1-16. Sing “Happy Birthday Jesus”, “Go Tell it On the Mountain”, “Oh Holy Night” and anything else you feel like singing!
Let the candles stay lit as long as you like to be a reminder throughout the day of what you are truly celebrating.
