One of my favorite ways to celebrate Advent is with The Advent Wreath.
An Advent Wreath is such a wonderful visual symbol to help us mark the passage of time through Advent. On the very first Sunday of Advent, my family collects greenery from our yard, assembles the wreath, and put it in the middle of our kitchen table. The wreath is such a powerful sign to our family that we are joyfully waiting for the coming of our Savior, the Christ Child, as we light a new candle every Sunday night.
Everything about the wreath is symbolic and is an excellent teaching tool. The shape of the circle and the evergreens represent eternity. Candles represent a time of preparation and purification as well as the light or presence of Christ. The color of the candles is also symbolic. Violet represents penitence as we prepare our hearts for the birth of our Savior. Blue can also be used instead of violet to symbolize a sense of expectancy. The rose or pink candle represents Mary, the willing servant of God and the mother of our Lord. The white candle represents Christ and is lit on Christmas Eve.
Every Sunday night, we gather as a family, have our Advent devotion, sing, “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel” and light the next Advent candle. It builds such anticipation to watch as every candle burns a little more. I love gathering in the evening, lighting the candles, breathing in the smell of evergreens, and reading through the story of our salvation with my family.
Make an Advent Wreath from a kit or on your own and hang it from the ceiling or place it in the center of your dining table. I really like a large Advent Wreath so I am giving you instructions and supplies for the one I make. Once you have assembled your wreath, gather your family every Sunday night for Evening Prayer, light the appropriate number of candles and pray through your family devotions.
Make Your Own:
Large Wreath (16")
Supplies
Metal Advent Ring (16")
12 inch Advent candle set (three purple and one pink candle)
Fresh evergreen branches of your choice (pine, juniper, seeded eucalyptus, cedar, etc.)
Directions
Cut and place the greenery around your metal wreath form. Use the ties that are included to attach your greenery.
Place your wreath in the middle of your dining or breakfast table.
Insert the purple and pink candles into the holders and place them equidistantly around the inside of the wreath.
Place the white candle in the middle of the Advent Wreath.
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