Advent Wreath

Many churches give home to an Advent Wreath and it’s lighting each Sunday has become a familiar part of the liturgy.  However, it was in the home that the origins of the Advent wreath can be found.

Imagine, many years ago—in certain parts—when wheels were removed from carts, now made obsolete for the winter with water-logged or frozen tracks, brought indoors to protect them from frost and rain, and decorated with light and evergreen leaves.  Glowing in the corner or suspended from the ceiling to bring a comforting glow to the home, the wreath soon became filled with profound meaning as the family prepared for Christmas.

In some churches the wreath is indeed suspended from the ceiling, so that gazing upwards it resembles for us a gateway to heaven, symbolising the anticipation of heaven breaking through to earth, as we await the coming of Jesus.

The ring too symbolises eternity and the life we share with Christ, an image which is also drawn out in the evergreen leaves.  It can also, of course, represent the world as we prepare to celebrate the Incarnation of Christ who has come to live among his people.

Often, each candle is given some symbolic significance. For example, the patriarchs, prophets, John the Baptist and Mary and the systematic lighting of each candle on each Sunday of Advent draws us closer to the mystery of Christ’s coming.

The central candle is an optional addition to the wreath.  Perhaps a central candle spoils the roundness of the wreath but whatever form your wreath takes it is indeed a lovely addition to the home.  It can be a natural focus of prayer particularly at meal times, or as dusk descends and darkness settles.

Above all, an Advent Wreath is easy and fun to make! So, if you don’t already have one in your home, why not plan to have one this year?!

Prayers for the Advent Wreath

Greeting
From the Christ who was, who is, and who is to come:
grace, light and peace be with you all.
And also with you.


Introduction
Dear Friends, 
we begin our advent preparations
to welcome the coming of Christ.
Let us seek the light that he alone can bring,
a light no darkness can overpower. 
As the days shorten and the nights draw swiftly in,
let us pray that we may be alert
to his glowing presence and ready to welcome him when he comes in glory.


Blessing of the Advent Wreath
Lord God,
your church joyfully awaits the coming of her Saviour.
who enlightens our hearts
and dispels the darkness of ignorance and sin.
Pour your blessing upon us
as we light the candles of this wreath;
may their light reflect the splendour of Christ
who is Lord, for ever and ever.  Amen.

The wreath may be sprinkled with holy water

Lighting of the Candles

Advent 1
Eternal God,
as darkness settles across
	our ancient land
and the cold winter lays heavy
	upon our lives
we light a candle
to brighten the shadows
and warm our hearts,
so that he of whom the patriarchs spoke
may find us alert to his presence
and ready to welcome him,
the Light of the world,
for he is Lord forever and ever. Amen.


Advent 2
Eternal God,
as the days shorten
and the evenings draw swiftly in
we light a candle
to enlighten our minds
and stir our hearts
so that he of whom the prophets spoke
may find us watching and waiting
to welcome him, the Light of the world,
for he is Lord forever and ever. Amen.

Advent 3
Eternal God,
as the darkness beckons closer
and the night-time lingers on
we light a candle
to dispel the darkness of our hearts
and chase away the shadows
	of our minds
so that he of whom
	John the Baptist spoke
may find a bright and clear path
and find us ready and willing
	to welcome him,
the Light of the world,
for he is Lord forever and ever. Amen.

Advent 4
Eternal God,
as we seek the dawning brightness
and the lengthening of days
we light a candle
to quicken our hearts
	and warm our frozen lives
so that he who took flesh
	in the womb of Mary
may find us eager to welcome him
and ready to embrace him,
	the Light of the world,
for he is Lord forever and ever.  Amen.

Alternative Prayers

These prayers may be more appropriate for use with children:

Advent 1
Hurry, Lord Jesus,
and come to us quickly:
our hearts are filled with excitement
at your coming into the world.
May your ancient promises
fulfil the hopes of everyone on earth. 
Amen. (Or Amen.  Come, Lord Jesus)

Advent 2
Hurry, Lord Jesus,
and come to us quickly:
our hearts are filled with praise
at your coming into the world.
May the message of the prophets
reach the ears of everyone on earth.
Amen. (Or Amen.  Come, Lord Jesus)

Advent 3
Hurry, Lord Jesus
and come to us quickly:
our hearts are filled with joy
at your coming into the world.
May the glory of your presence
light up the minds of everyone on earth.
Amen. (Or Amen.  Come, Lord Jesus)

Advent 4
Hurry, Lord Jesus,
and come to us quickly:
our hearts are filled with awe
at your coming into the world.
May the joy of your birth in Bethlehem
fill the lives of everyone on earth.
Amen. (Or Amen.  Come, Lord Jesus)