One of the things that I remember most consistently about Advent is our Advent Wreath.   An Advent Wreath is a way to prepare each of the 4 weeks leading up to Christmas.

This is a spiritual and can be a somber activity. Advent is the beginning of the liturgical church calendar. It is a time of expectant waiting and preparation for the celebration of the birth of Jesus.

There are 4 candles in the wreath (usually 3 purple and 1 pink) and one in the center of the wreath that is white. The purple candles represent Christ’s royalty. Purple also represents the attitude of humility and repentance with which we anticipate His coming. The pink candle stands for God’s love and faithfulness.  The white candle in the center symbolizes Christ’s holiness and perfection. As the number of candles increases, so we near the celebration of His coming. The ever-increasing brightness heightens our anticipation of this day.

Each day at home, the candles are lit, perhaps before the evening meal — one candle the first week, and then another each succeeding week until December 25th. The pink candle is usually lit on the third Sunday of Advent. As the candles are lit, say a prayer or do a devotion anticipating the coming Christ.  All candles, including the white candle, are lit on Christmas Eve. The white candle signifies the birth of Christ.

Each of the four colored candles can represent different truths about Advent that you would like to emphasize. (i.e. hope/promise/light/love, specific names for Jesus, people in the story – Mary&Joseph/Angels/Shepherds/Wisemen, specific prophecies Jesus fulfilled, the salvation colors – black(sin)/red(Jesus’ blood)/white(our hearts washed white as snow)/yellow(the promise of eternal life in heaven), giving – God’s gift in Jesus/being content/giving to the needy/Jesus’ gift of eternal life, etc.)  Check our Advent Calendar for what our church is focusing on this year.

Your wreath can be as simple or complex as you like. (i.e. four votive candles on a plate, decorated toilet paper tubes with tissue paper flames, or a wreath created especially for Advent)

Here are some more online resources you can use for Advent.

Focus on the Family

Advent Devotions from Lutheran Hour Ministries

Christ the King Presbyterian Church – Advent Devotional

I’m looking forward to hearing what you and your family are doing to celebrate Advent.  I’d also love to post any pictures of wreaths or calendars you are using.  Don’t forget to send those my way!

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