A Liturgy for the Advent Wreath

A Liturgy for the Advent Wreath

The Advent Wreath is a significant part of our journey as we begin a new Church year. We use it to prepare ourselves for Christmas and celebrating the birth of the Jesus. It contains 4 and sometimes 5 candles. Each is to be lit on the Sunday at church and in the home for prayer.

The candles are purple, pink and white. The greenery that is formed in a circle represents God’s unending love for us. Some families will use a white candle and will light it at Christmas to announce the Birth of Jesus.

Gather: Bible, Advent Wreath/Candle(s)

First week of Advent: Purple Candle

Begin and end with the Sign of the Cross.

We light the first candle, The Candle of Hope.

Reading: James 5: 7-8

Reflection:

Advent has begun. We light this candle to remind us of all the Hope that we have for our families and friends for the coming year. This year especially we hope that the world will be healed of the pandemic.

Prayer:

Loving and Gracious God,
Open our hearts and minds. Give us the hope and strength to journey ever closer to you and your Son, Jesus Christ, during Advent.

Second Week of Advent: 2 Purple Candles

Begin and end with the Sign of the Cross.

We light the Candles of Hope and Faith

Reading: Psalm 119: 111

Reflection:

The test of faith is trusting that God loves and cares for us. He will provide what we need even when our prayers are not answered in the way we desire.

Prayer:

God, the Father of Faith,
Help us to remember that prayer does not always change things. Prayer changes people and people change things.

Third Week of Advent: 2 Purple Candles and 1 Rose Candle

Begin and end with the Sign of the Cross.

We light the Candles of Hope, Faith and Joy

Reading: Isaiah 55.12

Reflection:

In Isaiah, the prophet proclaimed that Joy is a sign, a sign of God’s presence. Today Joy is absent in our lives as we combat COVID. We need to remember all the good things that God has given and thank Him with rejoicing.

Prayer:

God, the Father of Joy.
Open our hearts so that we will rejoice in life itself as we smile and sing as we go through our days.

Fourth Week of Advent: 3 Purple Candles and 1 Rose Candle

Begin and end with the Sign of the Cross.

We light the Candles of Hope, Faith, Joy and Love.

Reading: Deuteronomy 6.5

Reflection:

We are created in God’s image. Jesus taught about Love in many of the parable stories that we had read and heard. Jesus calls us to love our neighbor as we love ourselves.

Prayer:

God, the Father of Love
Help us to break down barriers of ignorance, hate and injustice. Give us the strength us to love one another as Mary, Our Mother, loved Jesus her son.

Credits: St Martha’s CWL Council, Lethbridge