Advent

We like to spend some time preparing for the arrival of THE GIFT at Christmas. This time is called Advent, which means "coming". THE GIFT is coming! Let us make our hearts and homes ready!


The four candles represent the four thousand years "from Creation 'til Christ". The dark blue or purple candles remind us that this is a time of "metanoia", a time of penance and turning toward the Coming ONE. The rose colored candle recalls a custom in older days of blessing a rose on the third Sunday of Advent.

The advent wreath is blessed the First Sunday of Advent and is lit every day as we prepare, often during the evening meal or family prayer time, until the candles are changed to white on Christmas to represent our rejoicing in the arrival of Jesus. Often a large white candle is placed in the center of the wreath. During Advent it is covered with a veil and at Christmas the veil is removed. This is called the "Mary Candle" and leads into a nice way to explain pregnancy to young children.

The beginning of Advent
(On the Saturday before the First Sunday of Advent, the family gathers around the wreath decorated with greens. One candle should be lit.)
Leader: We gather around our wreath to begin the celebration of Advent. Let us ask our Father in heaven to fill our hearts with grace. Heavenly Father , we look forward to the celebration of Christmas and to the coming of the Lord in glory. Bless this Advent wreath and all of us. As we pray daily around it, fill us with your life and strengthen us for our daily tasks. We ask this through Christ Our Lord.
All: Amen.

Prayer for the First Week of Advent (one candle is lit)
Leader: Heavenly Father, as we begin this Advent, give light to our eyes and peace to our hearts. May the Lord find us watching and waiting in joy when he comes. We pray in Jesus' name.
All: Amen.

Prayer for the Second Week of Advent (two candles are lit)
Leader: Father in heaven, set our hearts ablaze to follow in the steps of John the Baptist. May we bring light and love to all we meet, that the darkness of sin and fear may be overcome. In Christ's name we ask this.
All: Amen.

Prayer for the Third Week of Advent (three candles are lit, including rose candle)
Leader: As we draw near to you, Lord God, keep us aware of your presence in all we do. Come with power to enlighten us by your grace, that we may live in praise and peace all our days. We ask this through Christ our Lord.
All: Amen.

Special Days of Preparation
(Traditionally, the days from December 17 to the day before Christmas have as their focus the titles of Jesus. On these days, a special Scripture passage may be read to recall these titles. See also the Christmas novena, which starts on December 16.

Three candles are used until the Fourth Sunday of Advent, when all four candles are lit.)

December 17: Jesus the Wisdom of God
Reading: 1 Corinthians 1:26-31
Leader: Come, O Wisdom of God Most High, and fill our hearts with your word of truth.
All: Come Lord Jesus!

December 18: Jesus, the new Lawgiver
Reading: Matthew 17: 1-8
Leader: Come, O Giver of the Law, that we may be strengthened by your mighty power.
All: Come Lord Jesus!

December 19: Jesus, the Flower of Jesse
Reading: Romans 15: 7-13
Leader: Come, O Flower of Jesse's Root, that we may be made fruitful witnesses of your love.
All: Come Lord Jesus!

December 20: Jesus, the Key of David
Reading: Revelation 3:7-8
Leader: Come, O Key of David, to unlock the darkness of sin and free us by your grace.
All: Come Lord Jesus!

December 21: Jesus, the Radiant Dawn
Reading: Isaiah 9: 1-6
Leader: Come, O Radiant Dawn, sun of justice, and fill us with your saving light.
All: Come Lord Jesus!

December 22: Jesus, the King of the Nations
Reading: Revelation 19: 11-16
Leader: Come, O King of the nations, and bind us all together in the unity and peace we seek.
All: Come Lord Jesus!


December 23: Jesus, Emmanuel
Reading: Matthew 1:18-23
Leader: Come, O Emmanuel, presence of God among us, and fill our hearts with every good gift.
All: Come Lord Jesus!

December 24
(On Christmas Eve, the wreath can be renewed with new greenery and the candles replaced with new white tapers for use during the Christmas season. If you have been using a Mary Candle, now is the time to remove the veil and light this candle, also.)

Leader: Lord Jesus, we approach that holy moment when your coming as man is renewed in our hearts. Give us peace and allow us to celebrate your presence with joy, that we may some day share your glory. We ask this of You, who live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, as One God, now and forever.
All: Amen!

The Christmas Season
(From Christmas Day until the Baptism of the Lord, the following prayer can be used with the wreath.)
Leader: Father in heaven, you so loved us that you sent Jesus, your Son, among us as Savior and Lord. Fill us with your blessing, that we may grow in love and continue to live our Christian faith.
We ask this through Christ our Lord.
All: Amen!