Your Advent Wreath
An Advent Wreath makes a beautiful centre-piece for your dining table; or place it on any other surface in your house (end table, sideboard, etc.).
You will need the following supplies: a ring of greenery (real or artificial), decorations, a set of four candles placed in a circle, and a thicker one placed in the middle. Often the candle colors are 3 blue/purple plus 1 pink, and a white one in the center.
Each Sunday of the four leading up to Christmas, we light a greater number of the candles in the circle, beginning with one (a blue or purple one in a traditional set). You may also light a corresponding number of candles on week days between Sundays. On Christmas Eve, we will light all four candles, plus the white one in the center. If your set includes one pink candle, it will be lit on week 3.
As we light them, we reflect on the specific theme traditional for each week, and say a brief prayer — as a way of counting down to, and spiritually preparing for Christmas. The themes are hope, faith/peace, joy, and love.
This page will guide us through this progression of Advent. These prayers are only examples: please use, rephrase or build on them; say them individually or with family members.
Advent Week 1: Hope
Beginning November 27, 2021
Over the first week of Advent, we recall the hope we have in Christ. The Jewish scriptures speak of the coming of the Messiah — a Savior and king in the line of King David. He would rule the world wisely and bless all the nations. As Christians, we believe in God born in the body of Jesus, as well as his promise to come again into this world to establish his peace forever. (Light the first candle)
Hope is like a light shining in a dark place. As we look at the light of this candle we celebrate the hope we have in Jesus Christ. Amen.
AND/OR
God of justice and peace, from the heavens you rain down mercy and kindness, that all on earth may stand in awe and wonder before your marvelous deeds. Raise our heads in expectation, that we may yearn for the coming day of the Lord and stand without blame before your Son, Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns forever and ever. Amen.
Advent Week 2: Peace
Beginning December 04, 2021
Today is the Second Sunday of Advent. Last Sunday we lit the First Candle to remind us of our hope in Christ.
(A person lights the First Candle, the Candle of Hope)
Today we light the Second Candle of Advent, the Candle of Peace. We remember the prophets who spoke of the coming of Christ. When Christ comes to us he brings us peace and he will bring everlasting peace when he comes again. We light the Candle of Peace to remind us that Jesus is the Prince of Peace and that through him peace is found.
(A person lights the Second Candle, the Candle of Peace)
Peace is like a light shining in a dark place. As we look at this candle, we celebrate the peace we find in Jesus Christ.
AND/OR
Lord Jesus, Light of the World, the prophets said you would bring peace. Give peace in our hearts at Christmastide. We ask that as we wait for you to come again, that you would remain present with us. Help us today, and every day to worship you, to hear your word, and to do your will by sharing your peace with each other. We ask it in the name of the one who was born in Bethlehem. Amen.
Advent Week 3: Joy
Beginning December 11, 2021
Today is the Third Sunday of Advent. We light the Candles of Hope and Peace again as we remember Jesus, born in Bethlehem, our hope and our peace.
(A person lights the BLUE Candles of Hope and Peace)
Today we light the Third Candle of Advent, the Candle of Joy, to remember John the Baptist who, as a baby in his mother’s womb, leapt for joy at the coming of God’s Kingdom in Jesus.
(A person lights the PINK Third Candle, the Candle of Joy)
Joy is like a candle shining in a dark place. As we look at the light of this candle, we celebrate the joy we have in Jesus Christ. Amen.
Thank you, God, for the joy you give us. Help us today, and every day, to worship you, to hear your Word, and to do your will by sharing your joy with others. We ask this in the name of the one who was born in Bethlehem. Amen.
Advent Week 4: Love
Beginning December 18, 2021
We light the Candles of Hope, Peace, and Joy again as we remember that Jesus, born in Bethlehem, will come again to fulfill all of God's promises and bring us everlasting peace and joy.
(light the Candles of Hope and Peace — blue, and Joy — pink)
Today we light the Fourth Candle of Advent, the Candle of Love. When the angel Gabriel told Mary that a special child would be born to her she was filled with hope, peace, joy. From hope, peace, and joy grows love. We light the Candle of Love to remind us that God so loved the world that he sent his son Jesus to live amongst us.
(light the Fourth Candle of Love — blue)
Love is like a candle shining in a dark place. As we look at the light of this candle we celebrate the love we have in Christ.
Lord God, we praise you for Jesus in whom we see the depth of your love for us. In Jesus Christ we see what it means to love one another. Help us to recognize that in you we are one human family. Show us how to work and play in ways that will bring healing and wholeness to one another. Through Christ our Lord, Amen.