Advent Wreath Night 2015

On November 23rd, St. Joseph's CSC will be holding its annual Family Advent Wreath night! It's a great event, where you can come together as a family, and as a community, and either refresh your family wreath with new items, or create a new wreath! The cost of the wreath bases (or rings) is covered by the CSC this year! We do have a limited number available, so please do let us know if you require one. You can email us here, use the contact form to the right, or RSVP via the form on the flyer that will be sent home with your child.

We'll have light refreshments, and Fr. Jim will be there as well, to say a few words about the significance of the advent wreath and to bless our wreaths.

So, what's the Advent Wreath all about?

The word “Advent” comes from the Latin word adventus which means “coming” or “arrival.” Advent is a time of year in which Christians prepare for Christmas—the birth of Jesus, our Lord and Saviour—the arrival of the Messiah.

The Advent wreath is a sign, of European origin, that says, “ Be happy, have hope, the Lord is coming!”

The candles represent Christ, our coming light. The candles have little meeting unless they are lit, for with the flame they become alive and give warmth and light. As the days become shorter and the hours of daylight are fewer, we begin Advent. At the year's darkest time, we begin to light candles to make the darkness brighter. We await the birth of the Son—the Lord of light. In this symbolic way we remember that Jesus is living and that he is coming to give us life and light. 

The four candles simply represent each of the four weeks of Advent. The progressive lighting of the candles symbolizes the expectation and hope that surrounds the coming of the Messiah. Often, three are purple and one is rose. The rose candle is lit on the third Sunday, Gaudete Sunday. A modern day addition is a white pillar candle placed in the centre of the wreath, which represents Christ and is lit on Christmas Eve.

The evergreen branches are symbols of everlasting life. In the fall, when other leaves fall and die, the evergreen remains green—it lives. This reminds us, through symbol, that Lord Jesus is our life and that he promises us everlasting life.

Advent is a time of quiet and joyful anticipation of the Lord’s coming. Let us pray that we have a change of heart and turn towards him as the centre of our families and faith community.

How do we use it?

A wreath is often used in homes and schools as the focus of prayer. The advent wreath tradition is practiced in many different ways. You can best decide on the most appropriate way for your family.

Here is just one framework that may work for you:

The Advent wreath is most appropriately lit at dinner time. Be sure to snuff out the candle after the evening meal. 

On the first Sunday in Advent (November 29), the family gathers around the Advent wreath. All make the sign of the cross, and pray:

Dear God, bless this wreath and help our family to remember that Christmas is a time to celebrate Jesus' birthday

 The youngest child in the family lights the first purple candle.

On the second Sunday in Advent (December 6), the family gathers around the Advent wreath. All make the sign of the cross, and pray:

Dear God, as we decorate our home for Christmas, we think about the birth of your only Son, Jesus. Help us to show love and kindness toward each other as we get ready to celebrate his birthday.

Then the eldest child in the family lights the candle from the previous week, and one more purple candle.

On the third (Gaudete) Sunday in Advent (December 13), the family gathers around the Advent wreath. All make the sign of the cross, and pray:

Now Jesus' birthday is nearer. As we choose gifts for our family and friends, we stop to say: "Thank you, God, for Jesus—Your gift to us."

The matriarch of the family lights the candles from the previous two weeks, and then the rose candle.

On the final Sunday of Advent (December 20), the family prays:

Now Jesus' birthday is very near. May his birthday bring joy and happiness to all of us as we try to be more like Jesus every day.

The patriarch of the family lights the candles from the prior Sundays, and finally lights the last purple candle.