Advent is the one month period before the Holy Christmas Season begins. It is celebrated the 4 preceding Sundays to Christmas.

This is one of my favorite times of year because I have time to reflect and meditate on all I have to be thankful for. Probably I really get into the Christmas spirit beginning with Thanksgiving Day, when we are given the opportunity to express all our blessings, usually around a feast with family and friends.

The Christmas spirit really takes hold when I begin working on an Advent Wreath. Here is how I do it:

Begin with a medium round pizza pan or other round fireproof plate or pan of similar size, about 12 to 14 inches in diameter.

Stand 4 thick candles toward the outer rim, evenly spaced a part. I use thick candles so they don't burn down too quickly. I like to use red candles for the 4 in expectation but you could use a different color for each week or choose those with different decorations to make each week special.

Now, place a special candle in the center to be lit late on Christmas Eve or first thing on Christmas Day. I like to use a white candle with gold or silver decorations. To me that is very special.

At the base of the candles lay pieces of every greens in a circlet pattern with the fronds overlaying the stems of each piece as you lay it in place. You could use holly with berries interspersed with pine.

I also like to place small figures of animals, such as sheep or cows amongst the foliage before moving them to my manger scene at Christmas.

To use the constructed Advent wreath, either place it on your meditation altar or on your mantle or dining table, where ever it seems appropriate in your home. Also scale down the diameter of the pan or plate holding the wreath items if you have a smaller space to place it.

Be sure that when the candles are lit they are not near anything flammable like a tablecloth below or objects at the side or overhead like a hanging lamp.

As we go into the Christmas season I wish you many blessings and an opening in your awareness of the real meaning of Christ - mass!

Advent Meditation
Christmas Eve Prayer
Christmas Prayer
Christmas Prayer for Children
New Year's Prayer and Meditation

Article by Susan Helene Kramer

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