The Advent wreath reminds us that this is the opening season of the liturgical year. We are waiting for and anticipating the coming of Christ at Christmas. Advent is a time for “waiting in joyful hope” for the coming of our Savior. We are making a journey, and we mark it by lighting a candle each week until all four are lit.
The Advent wreath offers liturgical colors and lights, none chosen by accident. Evergreens remind us of everlasting life, and each candle represents one of the weeks of Advent. Three candles are purple, the liturgical color of the season, and one is rose/pink for the third week of Advent as a sign of hope and joy that Christ’s coming is indeed near.
We may be preparing the readings of the coming Sunday or using a Lectionary-based small-group resource such as PrayerTime or Advent Awakenings. We may also use our Bible (readings are often listed in the parish bulletin or can be found online at www.usccb.org) or a missalette.
The Advent wreath is a visual reminder of the great gift of life given to us in the birth of Christ to be celebrated at Christmas.
Consider using this Advent wreath blessing in your small group.
May you enjoy the Advent journey with joyful anticipation and celebrate the signs and symbols of this blessed season.