Advent begins this Saturday evening with Sunday Vespers I.  We are finalizing the devotions that we observe within our home during this liturgical season.   Among those devotions is a more re-commitment to the Divine Office for those of Confirmation age.

One of the most familiar of Advent customs is, of course, the Advent wreath.  It is a simple and beautiful way of marking the progression of the Advent season and for preparing for the great feast of the Nativity of Our Lord.

The Advent wreath is exactly what the word implies, a wreath of evergreens (yew or fir or laurel), made in various sizes. It is either suspended from the ceiling or placed on a table, usually in front of the family shrine. Fastened to the wreath are four candles standing upright, at equal distances. These candles represent the four weeks of Advent.

Daily at a certain time (usually in the evening), the family gathers for a short religious exercise. Every Sunday of Advent one more candle is lit, until all four candles shed their cheerful light to announce the approaching birthday of the Lord. All other lights are extinguished in the room, and only the gentle glow of the live candles illuminates the darkness. After some prayers, which are recited for the grace of a good and holy preparation for Christmas, the family sings one of the traditional Advent hymns or a song in honor of Mary.

The traditional symbolism of the Advent wreath reminds the faithful of the Old Testament, when humanity was “sitting in the darkness and in the shadow of death” (Luke 2:79); when the prophets, illumined by God, announced the Redeemer; and when the hearts of men glowed with the desire for the Messiah. The wreath — an ancient symbol of victory and glory — symbolizes the “fulfillment of time” in the coming of Christ and the glory of His birth.

In some sections of Europe it is customary for persons with the name of John or Joan to have the first right to light the candles on the Advent wreath and Christmas tree, because John the Evangelist starts his Gospel by calling Christ the “Light of the World” and John the Baptist was the first one to see the light of divinity shining about the Lord at His baptism in the Jordan.

Our children like taking part in this daily devotion.  We try to let the little ones play a larger roll in preparation since this is a devotion that draws in all of the senses.  Children are assigned jobs; prepare wreath for lighting before dinner, handout prayers, light candles, and blowing out candles.  It is our goal to make this devotions and traditions their heart so that the liturgical life become innate in their entire being.

We have used a printable prayer booklet over the years but our copies have seen better days so I recreated the printable.  You’re invited to print and share for your personal use.