Advent Wreath

Advent Wreath

The word advent is defined as the “arrival that has been awaited.” One of the ways to celebrate the long awaited birth of Immanuel, God with us, is to create an Advent Wreath. Begin with a circle of evergreens, which symbolizes God’s love for us that lasts an eternity.

·    Four Sundays before Christmas, light the first candle (purple) “CANDLE OF HOPE."  This candle represents God’s promise and hope. We can have hope because God is faithful and will keep the promises He made to us. Our hope comes from God. (read Romans 15:12-13 aloud)

·    Three Sundays before Christmas, light the second candle (purple) "CANDLE OF PREPARATION." This candle represents His light and preparation. Preparation means to 'get ready'. "Help us to be ready to welcome YOU, O GOD!"  (read Luke 3:4-6 aloud)

·    Two Sundays before Christmas, light the third candle (pink or rose) "CANDLE OF JOY." This candle represents the angels who sang a message of JOY!  (read Luke 2:7-15 aloud)

·    The Sunday before Christmas, light the fourth candle (purple or blue) "CANDLE OF LOVE." This candle symbolizes Christ love. God sent His only Son to earth to save us, because He loves us!  (read John 3:16-17 aloud)

·    On Christmas Day, light the fifth candle (white) "CHRIST CANDLE." This candle symbolizes the incarnation, the heart and reason of the season, God giving light to the world. Its location is in the center as Christ’s light is central and radiant. This reminds us that Jesus is the spotless Lamb of God, sent to wash away our sins!

Taken from www.intothyword.org.  For more on how to help your child find Jesus within a traditional Christmas, read The ADVENTure of Christmas by Lisa Welchel