The Advent Wreath

One of the most visible objects in our traditional observance of Advent is the Advent Wreath.  This appointment contains several symbolic portions within the whole.  First, it is a circle.  It signifies the God who has no beginning and no ending.  Even though Advent is the initial season of the Church Year it is part of a recurring cycle that includes Christmas, the Season of Epiphany, Lent, Easter and the time after Pentecost.  As the cycle progresses over and over the church moves through the great events of the prophesy, birth, life, teachings, death and resurrection of Jesus.

The wreath is comprised of evergreens that represent eternal life.  The use of evergreens in this season is a traditional affirmation of life.  In a time when most growing things die or lose their leaves, evergreens remain vibrant. 

Advent wreathes also feature candles.  There is a central Christ Candle and then there are candles – in the case of our celebration this year: seven – around the periphery of the wreath.  The church lights one candle on the initial Sunday of the season, then the original candle plus an additional candle on the second Sunday and so forth through the entire observance, so that on the last Sunday of Advent all of the outer candles have been ignited.

There are devotional traditional materials associated with each week’s candle.