Advent - 2014
Advent Wreath and Candles
Set on the
branches of the wreath are four candles: three purple candles and one pink
candle. In the center of the wreath sits a white candle. As a whole, these candles represent the coming of the light of
Christ into the world.
1. On the first Sunday of Advent, the first purple candle is lit. This candle is typically called the "Prophecy Candle" (Candle of HOPE) in remembrance of the prophets, primarily Isaiah, who foretold the birth of Christ. This candle represents hope or expectation in anticipation of the coming Messiah.
2. Each week on Sunday, an additional candle is lit. On the second Sunday of Advent, the second purple candle is lit. This candle typically represents love. Some traditions call this the "Bethlehem Candle," (Candle of LOVE) symbolizing Christ's manger.
3. On the third Sunday of Advent the pink, or rose-colored candle is lit. This pink candle is customarily called the "Shepherds Candle" (Candle of JOY) and it represents joy.
4. The fourth and last purple candle, oftentimes called the "Angels Candle," (Candle of PEACE) represents peace and is lit on the fourth Sunday of Advent.
5.
On Christmas Eve, the white center candle is
traditionally lit. This candle is called the "Christ Candle"
and represents the life of Christ that has come into the world. The color white
represents purity. Christ is the sinless, spotless, pure Savior. Also, those
who receive Christ as Savior are washed of their sins and made whiter than snow.
Fr. A.
Christopher, HGN
Lighting
Four Advent Candles at Home
In family practice, the
Advent wreath is most appropriately lit at dinner time after the blessing of
the food. A traditional prayer service using the Advent wreath proceeds as
follows:
On the
First Sunday of Advent, the father of the family blesses the wreath, praying: “O
God, by whose word all things are sanctified, pour forth Thy blessing upon this
wreath, and grant that we who use it may prepare our hearts for the coming of
Christ and may receive from Thee abundant graces. Who livest and reignest
forever. Amen.” He then continues for each of the days of the first week of
Advent, O Lord, stir up Thy might, we beg thee, and come, that by Thy
protection we may deserve to be rescued from the threatening dangers of our
sins and saved by Thy deliverance. Who livest and reignest forever. Amen.” The
youngest child then lights one purple candle.
During
the second week of Advent, the father prays: O Lord, stir up our hearts that we
may prepare for Thy only begotten Son, that through His coming we may be made
worthy to serve Thee with pure minds. Who livest and reignest forever. Amen.”
The oldest child then lights the purple candle from the first week plus one
more purple candle.
During
the third week of Advent, the father prays: O Lord, we beg Thee, incline Thy
ear to our prayers and enlighten the darkness of our minds by the grace of Thy
visitation. Who livest and reignest forever. Amen.” The mother then lights the
two previously lit purple candles plus the rose candle.
Finally,
the father prays during the fourth week of Advent, O Lord, stir up Thy power,
we pray Thee, and come; and with great might help us, that with the help of Thy
grace, Thy merciful forgiveness may hasten what our sins impede. Who livest and
reignest forever. Amen.” The father then lights all of the candles of the
wreath.
Since Advent is a time
to stir-up our faith in the Lord, the wreath and its prayers provide us a way
to augment this special preparation for Christmas. Moreover, this good
tradition helps us to remain vigilant in our homes and not lose sight of the
true meaning of Christmas.
Fr. A.
Christopher, HGN
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