The Advent Wreath:

Prepare the Way of the Lord

The Advent wreath (instructions below)and Advent crafts help us prepare our families for Christmas. (Advent-from the Latin "to come") The focus is spiritual. All of these projects highlight the real meaning of of the season, the coming of our dear Lord, Jesus Christ.

"Children have a keen understanding of these various aspects of preparation in Advent." (Religious Customs in the Family, Fr. Francis X. Weiser)

So we parents must make the time and effort to explain "these aspects." Then we must incorporate them into our lives. This concentration on the holy, the Truth of the season, brings forth the love and joy and peace of the first Christmas. What a privilege to teach this to our children!

Ideas for Teaching Topics:

Important Note: All of the practices are good and beneficial, but most of us are very busy. So we may not be able to do them all or even several. It is better to just pick one (or two) practice, but do it with perseverance and intensity. Be consistent and thorough.

*The Religious

• The Advent Wreath
• The Jesse Tree
• Fill the Manger
• St. Nicholas Feast Day, December 6
• The Creche
• Almsgiving

*The Religious basis for what is now secular

• Santa Claus
• The Christmas Tree
• Gift Giving and Presents
• Advent Angels (aka Krist Kindl/Secret Santas)

*Additional Religious emphasis

• Holy Christmas Carols
• Religious/Wholesome Movies
• Devout Literature

Strictly speaking, Christmas does not begin until the evening of December 24th. It is next to impossible--and some would argue, unwise--to try to hold off any celebration until then. But, time wise, there are ways to retain the emphasis on the true timetable. One family we know opens presents on January 6 (the Epiphany). Another doesn't decorate their home until Christmas Eve.

Once again the mantra, "You know your family better than anyone else. Do what is most beneficial for you."

As for us...we jump whole hog into the gay festivities. We emphasize the true Christian meaning by the above mentioned means, but also enjoy Christmas luncheons, lightings and other activities.

So enjoy the Advent crafts and Advent activities. They are means to growth in holiness, prayer and peace.

"The Advent wreath originated a few hundred years ago among the Lutheran population in Eastern Germany." (Fr. Weiser) It has been popular ever since.

The wreath can be purchased in any religious store or on-line. It can also be made.

• 3 purple votives
• 1 pink votive
• holders for the above candles
• evergreens (fresh or fake)
• sturdy circular surface such as a dinner plate

(Note: Please be careful of fire.)

The four candles represent the four weeks of Advent. Place them equidistant on the plate or surface.

Work the evergreens into a circle (symbol of eternity) around the candles.

Each evening, turn off all other lights.

--light one purple candle the first Sunday of Advent and that same one for all of that week

--the second Sunday and each day of that week--Light the first candle and another purple one

--the third Sunday and each day of that week--Light the pink (for joy-the coming of Jesus is getting closer!) one and the other two purple candles

--the fourth Sunday and each day of that week--Light all the candles!

As you gather around the Advent wreath eacy day, offer readings, prayers and songs.

Special Customs--In some parts of Europe, a John or Joan light all the candles. This recalls the special role of St. John the Baptist as Christ's herald and that of St. John the Evangelist who begins his Gospel by calling Jesus the "Light of the World."

In the United States, the first week candle may be lit by the youngest child, second week--the oldest, the third week--Mom, the fourth--Dad.

In our home, the children just took turns lighting and blowing out the Advent wreath candles.

Advent Wreath Devotions

Advent Activities

Holidays

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