The Advent wreath at home

Advent begins this year on Sunday, November 29. Of all the ways to keep the season, the Advent wreath is one of the simplest and most loved: a circle of evergreens, four candles, and a few minutes of prayer each week.

What it means

The evergreen circle, with no beginning and no end, speaks of God’s eternal love and the life He gives. The candles mark the four Sundays of Advent. Each week one more is lit, and the growing light reminds us that Christ, the Light of the World, is coming.

Which candle, which week

• Three violet candles for the first, second and fourth Sundays, the color of prayer and preparation.
• One rose candle for the third Sunday, Gaudete Sunday, from the Latin for “rejoice”: Christmas is near.

Some families add a white candle in the center on Christmas Eve, for Christ Himself.

Making it part of family prayer

Light the candles at dinner each evening of Advent, not only on Sundays. Keep it short: a reading from the coming Sunday’s Gospel, a simple prayer, and O Come, O Come, Emmanuel. Children love to take turns lighting and snuffing the candles. Many families ask a priest to bless the wreath on the first Sunday, or use the family blessing in the Church’s Book of Blessings.

Candles for your wreath

Our shop carries beeswax Advent tapers. See everything for the season in Advent & Christmas.