The Advent wreath has been a cherished family tradition for centuries, deeply rooted in the Christian faith. It is an excellent devotion which serves a means of preparing for the celebration of the coming of Christ. The symbolic ring, often decorated with evergreen leaves, holds four candles marking each of the four Sundays of Advent. The custom of lighting the Advent candles is a symbol of the anticipation and hope that marks the Advent season, as prepare for arrival of Jesus Christ, “the Light of the World."
The symbolism of the Advent Wreath is as follows: the round shape of the metal ring represents eternity; the evergreens are the symbol of life immortal. The liturgical season of Advent is a season of longing, anticipation, and prayer that looks towards and asks for the coming of the Redeemer, and the candles lit each week represent the Light of World, the Incarnate Son of God coming into the darkness of this world. There are four candles total, representing and commemorating the roughly 4000 years that passed between Adam and the arrival of the new Adam, which is Christ. The three purple candles indicate the penitential nature of the holy Advent Season, and the one rose or pink colored candle represents the Third Sunday of Advent, Gaudete Sunday’s, “mitigated penance” and joyful anticipation of Christmas.
The head of the family blesses the wreath on the Saturday evening before the First Sunday of Advent, and the first candle is lit. Many different prayers and customs are used for blessing and lighting the wreath, but one of the more common is to use the collects from the Mass of each Sunday. Advent hymns, prayers, or meditations would also be appropriate. The candle is allowed to burn at the evening meals throughout each week, or at other times when the family is together at prayer. On the second Sunday of Advent, a second candle is lit. The rose candle is lit on the Third Sunday of Advent, traditionally by the Mother. On the Fourth Sunday of Advent, the last purple candle is lit by the father. Thus during the fourth week of Advent, all candles will be burning. The wreath can also be used on Christmas Day and days following as the center piece of the Christmas meal, with four white or four red candles. This simple but profound practice serves to unite the family in anticipation of Our Lord’s birth.
We carry a selection of beautifully decorated Advent wreaths that may be reused yearly. Sold separately, in sets of four, are the purple and rose colored Advent candles, including a high quality 100% beeswax option. One set of candles may or may not be enough to carry you through the Advent season, depending on how often you light your wreath.
