The evergreens used for the wreath itself are a reminder of continuous life. The shaping of them into a circle reinforces that meaning. The circle is also a sign of everlasting life as well as the eternity of God. The four candles used, three purple and one pink, mark the Sundays of Advent before Christmas. The purple candles are reminders that this should be a time of prayer and sacrifice to prepare us for the second coming of Christ.
On the third Sunday, the pink candle is lit to announce Gaudete Sunday, a Sunday of rejoicing for Christ is coming near. With the lighting of that candle, the light has won out over the darkness three candles lit vs. Various meanings have been assigned to the four candles. The most common Advent candle tradition, however, involves four candles around the wreath.
A new candle is lit on each of the four Sundays before Christmas. Each candle represents something different, although traditions vary.
Often, the first, second, and fourth candles are purple; the third candle is rose-colored. Sometimes all the candles are red; in other traditions, all four candles are blue or white.
In this fast, they abstain from meat, dairy, fish, wine, and oil. They hope the fast will help them to better fix their eyes on God and His Kingdom. They plan a route and travel from house to house, asking for lodging. At the last house, everyone is invited inside for prayer and refreshments.
The ornaments represent an Old Testament prophecy about Jesus, or they may represent ancient ancestors in the lineage of Jesus. Various books are available to use along with the Jesse ornaments. Lucy is done on the morning of December The oldest daughter in the house dresses in a white robe with a red sash, and she wears a wreath with lighted candles on her head.
Hear, O Lord, the sound of my call;have pity on me, and answer me. Of you my heart speaks; you my October 12, Your email address will not be published. Sign up for our eNews and we'll send you periodic updates on Mercy Home happenings Notice: JavaScript is required for this content.
Find us W. Jackson Blvd. Chicago, IL To make donation by phone or for any donation related questions, please call or Donate online By Mail Download Form. All rights reserved. EIN: Leader: Let us pray. Father of all creation and Lord of light, bless our wreath of evergreens and candles. Be present among us as we come together to celebrate in Scripture and prayer the coming of Christ.
May our hearts and minds reflect the lights of these candles, that Christmas will find us joyfully ready to receive the Savior, Jesus Christ. Tidbit: Some traditions set the blessing of the Advent wreath on the Saturday evening before the first Sunday of Advent. Throughout the Advent season, the wreath is kept on display. Usually the candles are lit in the evening and prayers are offered up.
The candles then remain lit during the evening meal. The prayers change each week as the season progresses, Because there is such a wealth of ideas and variations on using the Advent wreath, this season is easily tailored to any family. A good resource for ideas is The Essential Advent and Christmas Handbook or any of the resources found here. The four weeks have passed. It is Christmas Eve and Christ's presence is imminent.
All of the candles burn as our reminder that there is One Great Light who will make himself known. The Christ Candle is white and would reside at the center of the Advent wreath. Many families like to decorate the Christ candle on Christmas Eve in anticipatory celebration of His coming. After the season, when everything else has been wrapped up for next year, the Christ Candle should continue to be utilized. Bring it out for special moments, for we know that whenever two or more are gathered in His name, there He is.
Light this candle in remembrance throughout the year. Tidbit: In medieval times Christ was customarily represented by a burning candle in the center of a laurel wreath and kept burning throughout the Holy Night and each night thereafter during the holy season. The tradition has been carried on over time and in many forms around the world.
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