ADVENT WREATH FAMBAM 2024

DADDY: What is an Advent Wreath?

The Advent wreath is one of the most symbolic traditions for the season of Advent. With its
colorful candles lit on each of the four weeks of Advent, the wreath is a reminder of the
hope and joy coming. Advent wreaths are not exclusive to churches; many families and
individuals have an Advent wreath at home and observe the tradition of lighting the candles
for each Sunday.

MOMMY: The History of Advent Traditions

Advent traditions will vary by country, but the heart behind Advent is mostly the same
across cultures and denominations. Derived from the Latin word “adventus,” the word
advent means “arrival” or “coming.” In this instance, it is used to indicate a set time(s)
during the month of December to commemorate the coming of the Messiah in Jesus Christ.
Advent, like Christmas, is a season of expectation, celebration, and hope connected to the
birth of the prophesied Messiah and the promise of Christ’s subsequent ministry.
A few historical accounts put the inception of Advent as a church tradition somewhere
around the 4th or 5th century. Other traditions use Advent to anticipate the second coming
of Jesus Christ, which has yet to transpire. However, most of what we know and practice
today can be traced back to the Middle Ages and the 19th century. In 1851, the first
mention of an Advent calendar was seen in Elise Averdieck’s picture book, and in 1839, the
Advent wreath first appeared. Learn more about the history and traditions of Advent.
DADDY: Advent Wreath Meaning
Circular Shape: The circular shape of the wreath represents the eternal nature of God—His
never-ending love, mercy, and faithfulness. It also symbolizes the unending cycle of seasons
and the continuous nature of time.
Evergreen Branches: Evergreen branches, which do not lose their leaves in winter, represent
the everlasting life found in Christ. They are a symbol of hope and renewal, pointing to the
promise of eternal life through Jesus.
Lighting of Candles: The lighting of the candles is an important tradition during Advent.
Each week, an additional candle is lit to symbolize the increasing anticipation and
preparation for the arrival of Jesus. The light from the candles represents the light of Christ
coming into the world.

The Advent Candles Symbolism

In almost all Advent traditions, lighting candles is also a prominent feature of each week’s
commemorative celebration. Some candles are placed within or near the Advent wreath
itself. Other times, they are lit separately on each Sunday beginning four weeks before
Christmas. Candles and the light they produce reflect the light that came into the world
with the arrival of Jesus Christ.
Some traditions light a single candle on each of the 24 days leading up to Christmas. Other
traditions place one large candle in the center of the Advent wreath and light it every day of
December until Christmas.
The most common tradition, however, typically uses four candles. Each advent candle is lit
on one of the four Sundays leading up to Christmas. In some churches and homes, a 5th
candle that is larger and white is lit to represent Jesus Christ, the light of the world.

MOMMY: What are Advent Wreath Candle Colors?

Advent candles have meaning and symbolism for the Christian holiday season. The most
common tradition typically uses four candles. Each advent candle is lit on one of the four
Sundays leading up to Christmas.
The color of these candles can vary, but it is common for the first, second, and fourth
candles to be purple, while the third is rose-colored, red, or a pinkish hue. In some cases, all
the candles are red, blue, or white; often, a fifth white candle is placed in the middle of the
wreath and lit on Christmas Day itself. Catholic tradition even states that the four candles,
representing the four weeks of Advent, each stand for 1,000 years to total the 4,000 years
from Adam to the birth of the Messiah.
 THE ADVENT PRAYERS:
MAKE THE SIGN OF THE CROSS.

DADDY: First Sunday of Advent Candle: Hope

The first advent candle is purple and symbolizes hope. Also known as the “Prophecy Candle”
in memory of the prophets, particularly Isaiah, who prophesied the birth of Christ. It
symbolizes the anticipation felt in awaiting the coming Messiah. The color purple is often
associated with this candle. Purple is a liturgical color that symbolizes penance, preparation,
and royalty. It serves as a reminder of the need for repentance and readiness for the coming
of the Messiah, who is the King of Kings.
The first candle, the Hope Candle, symbolizes the hope of God's people as they awaited the
arrival of the Messiah, who would bring salvation, redemption, and the fulfillment of God's
promises. It represents the hope that Jesus' birth would bring light to a world shrouded in
darkness and despair.
During the lighting of the first candle, it is common to read scriptures and passages from the
Bible that emphasize the theme of hope, such as prophecies from the Old Testament about
the coming of the Messiah, like Isaiah 9:2-7 or Isaiah 60:1-3. The lighting of the Hope Candle
in the Advent wreath is an opportunity for individuals and families to reflect on the concept
of hope in their own lives. It is a time to consider the hope found in the promise of salvation
through Jesus and how that hope can bring joy and comfort during challenging times.

AMIEL: A READING FROM THE BOOK OF PROPHET Isaiah 9:2-7

2
The people walking in darkness
have seen a great light;
on those living in the land of deep darkness
a light has dawned.
3
You have enlarged the nation
and increased their joy;
they rejoice before you
as people rejoice at the harvest,
as warriors rejoice
when dividing the plunder.
4
For as in the day of Midian’s defeat,
you have shattered
the yoke that burdens them,
the bar across their shoulders,
the rod of their oppressor.
5
Every warrior’s boot used in battle
and every garment rolled in blood
 will be destined for burning,
will be fuel for the fire.
6
For to us a child is born,
to us a son is given,
and the government will be on his shoulders.
And he will be called
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
7
Of the greatness of his government and peace
there will be no end.
He will reign on David’s throne
and over his kingdom,
establishing and upholding it
with justice and righteousness
from that time on and forever.
The zeal of the Lord Almighty
will accomplish this.

The WORD of LORD:

RESPONSE: Thanks be to GOD!
AMIEL: Prayer
"O God, as we light the first candle of this Advent wreath, we open our hearts in hope. May
the light of this candle remind us of the hope we have in you. May it inspire us to prepare
our hearts and minds for the coming of your Son, Jesus Christ, our hope and our Savior.
Amen."
Offer personal prayer for the family.
MAKE THE SIGN OF THE CROSS.
 MOMMY: Second Sunday of Advent Candle: Peace
The second Advent candle is also purple and symbolizes peace. Also known as the
“Bethlehem Candle,” signifies Mary and Joseph’s journey to Bethlehem. Sometimes the
second week's candle is used to symbolize faith. The Peace Candle symbolizes the peace
that Jesus Christ brings to the world. It represents the fulfillment of the Old Testament
prophecies of a Messiah who would be the Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6). It reminds us that
through the birth of Jesus, humanity can find reconciliation with God and experience inner
peace. During the lighting of the Peace Candle, appropriate Bible verses that emphasize
peace and reconciliation may be read, such as Isaiah 9:6, Luke 2:14, or John 14:27.

ADRIAN: A READING FROM THE BOOK OF PROPHET Isaiah 9:6

6
For to us a child is born,
to us a son is given,
and the government will be on his shoulders.
And he will be called
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

The WORD of LORD:

RESPONSE: Thanks be to GOD!
ADRIAN: Leader: Prayer
"Gracious God, as we light the second candle of this Advent wreath, we seek your peace. In
a world filled with turmoil, may the light of this candle remind us of the peace that only you
can bring. Help us to be instruments of your peace in our homes, communities, and the
world. Amen."
Offer personal prayer for the family.
MAKE THE SIGN OF THE CROSS.
 DADDY: Third Sunday of Advent Candle: Joy
The third Advent candle is pink and represents joy. This candle is pink because the rose
color represents joy, also known as the “Shepherd’s Candle.” The third Sunday of Advent is
meant to remind us of the world's joy at the birth of Jesus and that the faithful have arrived
at the midpoint of Advent. The third week of Advent is often known as "Gaudete Sunday,"
derived from the Latin word "gaudete," which means "rejoice." It is a time of rejoicing and
heightened anticipation as Christmas draws nearer.
The Joy Candle represents the joy that filled the hearts of the shepherds who received the
news of Jesus' birth from the angels. It signifies the happiness and excitement of the world
as it receives the long-awaited Messiah. During the lighting of the Joy Candle, passages from
the Bible that emphasize joy and rejoicing may be read, such as Luke 2:10-11, which
describes the angelic announcement to the shepherds.

ALDRENE: A READING FROM THE BOOK St. Luke 2:10-11

10
But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause
great joy for all the people. 11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you;
he is the Messiah, the Lord.

The WORD of LORD:

RESPONSE: Thanks be to GOD!
ALDRENE: Prayer
"Loving God, as we light the third candle of this Advent wreath, we rejoice in your presence.
May the light of this candle fill our hearts with the joy of your salvation. Help us to share
this joy with others, spreading your love and happiness to all we encounter. Amen."
Offer personal prayer for the family.
MAKE THE SIGN OF THE CROSS.
 MOMMY: Fourth Sunday of Advent Candle (Love):
The final Advent candle color is purple and marks the last week of Advent as we anticipate
the birth of our Savior. This final candle, also known as the “Angel’s Candle,” signifies love. It
reminds us of the angels' message: “Peace on Earth, Good Will Toward Men” (Luke 2:14).
During the lighting of the Love Candle, passages from the Bible that emphasize love, such
as John 3:16-17 or 1 John 4:9-11, may be read. These verses highlight God's love for
humanity and the call for believers to love one another.

MARY LOVE: A READING FROM THE BOOK St. John 3:16-17

16
For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in
him shall not perish but have eternal life. 17 For God did not send his Son into the world to
condemn the world, but to save the world through him.

MARY LOVE: Prayer

"Heavenly Father, as we light the fourth candle of this Advent wreath, we are reminded of
your boundless love. May the light of this candle shine forth as a symbol of the love you
have shown us through your Son, Jesus Christ. Fill our hearts with your love, and help us to
love one another as you have loved us. Amen."
Offer personal prayer for the family.
MAKE THE SIGN OF THE CROSS.