An Advent Wreath Prayer
First Sunday in Advent -
Light the first candle.
It is called the Prophecy Candle because it reminds us that God foretold the
coming of His Son.
Blessing for the First Candle:
Oh, Lord, fill us with a longing for You. Help us all to be open and eager, as
we wait for Your coming with joy and excitement. In the busy days ahead, keep
us in You sight. Let us remember that it is You, our Lord, for whom we are
preparing. In our fervor to welcome You in the royal way, it is so easy to
forget how warmly You wish to be greeted. Oh, sweeet Jesus, thank You for
loving us. Amen.
Second Sunday in Advent
- Light the first and the second candle.
The second candle is called the Bethlehem Candle because it reminds of that even
God prepared for the birth of His Son. The manger in Bethlehem became a cradle
fit for a King.
Blessing for the Second Candle:
Oh, Lord, as we prepare for Your coming, let us reflect Your love in all we say
and do. Give us the strength to change our ways, rid ourselves of angry
thoughts, bitter words, and selfishness and anything that distracts us from
You. Oh, Jesus, our hearts are open.
The Kingdom of Heaven is near. Amen.
Third Sunday in Advent
- light the first two candles and the third candle that is called the Shepherd's
Candle. It reminds us that we share Jesus with many kinds of people. Some are
rich and famous, but others are poor and sometimes hungry. Each has very
special place in the heart of God.
Blessing for the Third Candle:
Oh, Lord, this is a time for caring and sharing, a time for smiling and singing,
a time for rejoicing in life itself. Let us open our hearts fully to others.
Let our faces radiate the joy of Your coming so that everyone we meet will know
of You and the gift of life You bring. Jesus, our Lord, we rejoice in Your
coming. Amen.
Fourth Sunday in Advent
- light all the candles = the last one is called the Angel's Candle. It reminds
us that love came into the world when Jesus was born.
Blessing for the Fourth Candle:
Oh Jesus, You are the Light of the World. You have come to strengthen the
weary, to guide the lost, to walk with the lonely.
You are hope to all people. Help us to see Your will. Always be with us so that
we will come to know You in many ways. In the Eucharist we see You as the Bread
of Life, and we recognize the glory of Your love when we see a smile on someone
else's face.
Dear Lord, whatever the way, teach us to recognize You and the gift of hope You
bring.
Amen.
Symbols of the Advent Wreath:
1) The Circle: God has no beginning and no end. His love is ever lasting
and universal.
2) Evergreens: Green is the color of hope. It is a sign of our hope and
belief that the Savior has come for us.
3) Four Candles: The Chosen People of the Old Testament waited 4000 years
for the coming of the Savior. Our four weeks of Advent represent our
preparation and longing for the coming of Jesus.
4) Three Purple Candles: Purple is the color that symbolizes sorrow and
repentance. It reminds
us to return to the love and kindness of our Savior.
5) One Rose or Pink Candle: Pink represents Joy. At the third Sunday of
Advent we pause in the
penance and rejoice in the fact that the celebration of
the coming of our Savior is almost here.
6) Lighted Candle: Jesus is the Light who guides us. Each Sunday an
additional candle is lit.
