The Advent Wreath The word Advent comes from the Latin adventus which means coming in this case, the coming of Christ. It is associated with the four weeks of preparation for Christmas. Advent always contains four Sundays. The first Sunday of Advent is always the Sunday Closest to the Feast of St. Andrew Nnovember 30).

The Advent Wreath is a special symbol composed of a wreath of evergreen, in a circle, with 4 candles, 3 purple and one rose or pink. One Candle is lit every night during Advent. One purple one during the first week of Advent, the second purple nightly during the second week, and so on, until during the fourth week all four candles are lit. Some people also place a large white candle in the center to be lit on Christmas Day.

The Purple candles are for the sorrow we feel for not loving Jesus enough. The Rose candle is for the joy surrounding the impending birth of Jesus.

The evergreen symbolizes God is with us always and will never change.

The circle symbolizes that God is eternal, with no beginning and no end.

The light of the candles reminds us that Jesus is the light of the world, and soon we will celebrate the day of His birth.

Prayer for the Advent Wreath Lord, our God, we praise You for Your Son, Jesus Christ, for He is Emmanuel, the Hope of all people. He is the Wisdom that teaches and guides us. He is the Savior of us all. O Lord, let your blessing come upon us as we light the first (purple) candle of this wreath. May the wreath and its light be a sign of Christ's promise of salvation. May He come quickly and not delay. We ask this in His holy name. Amen.

Amen