Four weeks, four candles

Blessing the wreath, and the prayer for each week of Advent.

The Advent wreath is a family’s calendar of light: an evergreen circle with four candles, three violet and one rose, lit one more each week until the room is bright and Christmas arrives. The blessing below is prayed when the wreath is first set out, and the weekly prayers at the evening meal.

Blessing of the Wreath

Lord God, Your Church joyfully awaits the coming of its Saviour,
who enlightens our hearts
and dispels the darkness of ignorance and sin.

Pour forth Your blessings upon us
as we light the candles of this wreath.
May their light reflect the splendour of Christ,
who is Lord, for ever and ever. Amen.

First Week — the candle of hope

Lord, stir up Your power and come.
Protect us by Your strength and save us from the threatening dangers of our sins,
for You are our help and our redeemer. Amen.

Second Week — the candle of peace

Lord, let Your light shine on those who dwell in darkness
and in the shadow of death,
and guide our feet into the way of peace. Amen.

Third Week — the rose candle, of joy

Lord God, may we, Your people,
who look forward to the birthday of Christ,
experience the joy of salvation
and celebrate that feast with love and thanksgiving. Amen.

Fourth Week — the candle of love

Come, Lord Jesus, do not delay;
give new courage to Your people who trust in Your love.
By Your coming, raise us to the joy of Your kingdom,
where You live and reign for ever and ever. Amen.

About the Wreath

The circle has no beginning and no end; the evergreen does not die in winter; the growing light answers the shortening days. The rose candle is lit on Gaudete Sunday, the third week, when the Church relaxes the penitential violet for a day because Christmas is close.

In many families the youngest child lights the candles and the oldest reads the prayer. Nobody remembers the year’s homilies; everyone remembers the wreath.