Originating in Germany several hundred years ago, it has
recently become a cherished custom for many families
throughout America. Children are deeply impressed with the
beautiful symbolism of the Advent Wreath. Their anticipation
of Christmas, the Birthday of Christ, increases as the
ceremonies progress each week of Advent.
The Christians preparing for their feast of light and life:
the Nativity of the Savior found this wheel or wreath an
appropriate means. Adding one light for each of the four
Sundays in Advent they think about the darkness without God
after the Fall, the growing hope for salvation, enkindled in
paradise, nourished through the ages by the prophets up to
John, the Precursor, until the Morning Star who announces the
coming of the Sun came forth: the Virgin who bore a son.
The wreath without beginning and end stands for
eternity; the greens for life and growth; the four candles,
preferably of beeswax and blessed and set aside since
Candlemas, present the ages “sitting in darkness and the
shadow of death,” each candle adding more light until on
Christmas the light from the wreath sets off, as it were, the
blaze of light on the “tree of life,” the Christmas tree, for the
time is fulfilled.

Advent Prayers
Advent Wreath – Week Two
Father: O Lord, stir up our hearts that we may prepare the
ways of Thine only begotten Son, that through His coming
we may be made worthy to serve Thee with purified minds.
Through Christ our Lord.
All: Amen.
Two candles are lighted by the oldest child during this
week and left burning during the evening meal.