Advent Wreath History and Meaning The Advent Wreath started in Germany to provide a focal point for families pointing to the coming birth of JESUS. It may have stemmed from Martin Luther’s desire for people to have ways to teach Biblical truth to children at home. Wreaths were used as an Advent decoration long before this, but if this is true, he caused its wider use. However it took another 400 years for the Advent Wreath to become popular in church services. The wreath has five candles, four on the circle with the Christ Candle in the center. While the candles can be any color, typically include three purple candles (symbolizing royalty and the approaching birthday of the King), one pink candle (standing for Joy) on the third Sunday before CHRISTmas and the white candle in the center for Christ’s purity. Originally, Advent was a sort of “fast” before CHRISTmas, a solemn occasion remembering JESUS’ birth. The pink candle was placed on the wreath - symbolizing JOY - to bring a bit of JOY into the time as well. Initially, the number of candles were given simply to countdown of the weeks before CHRISTmas Sunday. Eventually they were given names, though this is not “in stone.” First Sunday, PROPHECY CANDLE or HOPE, Second Sunday, BETHLEHEM CANDLE or LOVE, Third Sunday, ANGELS’ CANDLE or JOY, and the Fourth Sunday, SHEPHERD’S CANDLE or PEACE. Today the Advent “Wreath” is often seen in a long line of fat candles, sometimes only four, which are all lit on CHRISTmas Day. The candles can be any color and do not have to symbolize a quality or theme other than the four weeks of Advent. Every part of the Advent Wreath is significant. The circle stands for eternity and God's constant presence with us as well as His un- ending love. The evergreens symbolize everlasting life in JESUS and growth in His image. The candles remind us JESUS is the Light of the World. Types of Advent Wreaths 1. Visit your local Christian Book store to purchase a lovely Advent Wreath, many are very reasonably priced. 2. Or order on-line: Here is one Advent Wreath we found available through Christian Book Distributers. http://www.christianbook.com/nativity-advent- wreath/pd/86269?kw=21440761692&mt=b&dv=c&event=PPCSRC&p=1186432&gclid=CjwKEAj wp- S6BRDj4Z7z2IWUhG8SJAAbqbF3dLSHPDm23SeeAUcdVBnfxv8O9qaRz6CWd6KoFBqLrhoCFuvw_ wcB Or this one from Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Abbey-Press-33618K-Journey- Bethlehem/dp/B003AKJ2TM/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1465515608&sr=8- 5&keywords=Advent+Wreath+with+Candles 3. Make your own: Purchase an artificial evergreen wreath. Lay it on a tray for easy mobility. Place four small candle holders evenly spaced amidst the greenery. Display it in a prominent place in the home. Casually explaining the significance of the wreath over a cup of coffee could be a meaningful, yet non-threatening, testimony to your guests. Place a large white candle in the center of the wreath to light on Christmas Day. Or choose a unique idea for display as with these potting plants. Devotionals for the Advent Wreath Light one candle each Sunday, beginning four Sundays preceding December 25. As a new candle is lit each week, the increasing light announces that the celebration of Christ's birth draws steadily nearer. If Sunday is not a good day for you to do this, try the four Wednesdays (or any other day) before December 25. The important thing is that you are preparing and focusing on JESUS. There is no set way to use the wreath. Each individual or family should find the way that is most meaningful to them, perhaps changing ideas from year to year. Use any of the following ideas, or adapt them for your own setting. Whether you design a formal or informal time, you want to create a time of worship and anticipation. Advent Wreath Devotional # 1, more formal version Modify this basic plan or use it as you see it here. Perhaps add a favorite carol. First Sunday in Advent . Light one candle . Read Isaiah 60:2-3 . Pray something like this: Lord God, we light this candle to thank you for your Son, our Savior Jesus Christ, Who is the Light of the World. We who have sat in darkness have seen a great light, the light of Jesus Christ, our salvation. We give You thanks and praise in Jesus' name, because He lives and reigns with You in Your glory, Amen. On the second Sunday in Advent . Light two candles . Read Mark 1:4 . Pray something like this: Lord God, we light this candle to thank You for Your Son, our Savior Jesus Christ, Who is the Way. We who like sheep have gone astray have found the way to You through Jesus Christ. We give You thanks and praise in Jesus' name, because He lives and reigns with You in Your glory, and in the unity of the Holy Spirit, Amen. On the third Sunday in Advent . Light three candles . Read Isaiah 35:10 . Pray something like this: Lord God, we light this candle to thank You for Your Son, our Savior Jesus Christ, who brings us great joy. We who have walked in the shadow of the valley of death have found life in the resurrection of Jesus Christ. We give You thanks and praise in Jesus' name, because He lives and reigns with You in Your glory, Amen. On the fourth Sunday in Advent . Light all the candles . Read Isaiah 9:6-7 . Pray something like this: Lord God, we light this candle to thank You for Your Son, our Savior Jesus Christ, Who is the Prince of Peace. We who live in discord and strife have found peace in the promise of eternal life, through Jesus Christ. We give You thanks and praise in Jesus' name, because He lives and reigns with You in Your glory, Amen. On Christmas Eve or on Christmas Day . Light all the candles (and the white candle, if you are using it) . Read Luke 1:68-79 and Luke 2:1-20 . Pray something like this: We praise You, Lord God, because on this day, Your Word became flesh in our Savior as Jesus Christ, was born of a woman, and walked among us as a man. Help us to imitate Your incarnation, by manifesting our faith in our conduct as well as in our speech. To you, O Lord, we give our honor, praise, worship, and love, in the most holy and precious name of the One Who is born today; because He lives and reigns with You in your glory, Amen. Advent Wreath Devotional # 2 First Sunday in Advent Theme: Anticipation and Longing for the Coming of JESUS Light: One candle while discussing the theme Read: Luke 1:26-38; James 5:7-8 Sing: O Come, O Come, Emmanuel Discuss: What feelings preceded the birth of a baby in your family? Show some of your children's baby pictures. Tell them how much you looked forward to each of their births. Discuss how we can feel the same anticipation and excitement about JESUS’ birth. Have each person tell what Christ's birth means to them. Are we longing for His return, or are other events in our lives more important? Prayer: A time of confession might be appropriate, telling God that often other things are more important to us than He is. Ask Him to give you a greater desire to get to know Him better. Activity: Take time as a family to prioritize your December activities so that JESUS’ birth will not be crowded out. Perhaps demonstrate the ADVENT JAR. Choose those traditions that most honor the Lord in preparing to celebrate His birth. If you have already made your plans, decide how you can share one tradition with another family that will help them focus on JESUS. For example, prepare Luminaries and deliver them to your chosen family before CHRISTmas Eve. On the second Sunday in Advent Theme: Preparation of Your Home and Heart for JESUS Sing: Joy to the World Light: Two candles as you are singing Read: Matthew 1:18-25; Luke 2:1-8 Discuss: Talk about the words to the song you sang. How can our hearts prepare Him room? How can our hearts prepare spiritually for Christmas Day? What qualities do you want to develop in your life? Look around your home. Are your decorations merely festive and pretty, or do they point toward the celebration of JESUS' birth? How can you add to the decorations that tell of His birth and the glory due His name? Activity: Make a Silent Night Candle for each family member. Prayer: Light your candles and spend quiet time, individually, asking God to show you how to prepare your heart this month. Encourage even younger children, to learn to be quiet before the Lord. Provide CHRISTmas books about JESUS for them to look at also. Come back together and discuss as a family what you hear JESUS say to you about how to celebrate His birthday. On the third Sunday in Advent Theme: Rejoicing . the True Meaning of Joy Sing: Angels We Have Heard on High Light: Three candles Read: Luke 2:9-20 Discuss: Share several of the most joyous moments in your life. Discuss the difference between joy and happiness. Write out your definition of joy. What causes the angels in heaven to rejoice? (See Luke 15:10) Here's a definition of Joyfulness we like: "Joyfulness is the exultation of my inward being that results from genuine harmony with God and others." (refer to Prov.