How to Create an Advent Wreath for Family Worship

This article will show you how to create an Advent wreath for worshipping in your home. Advent is the season between Lent and Christmas Day on the Christian calendar. It is the time when Christians look forward to the celebration of the Messiah's birth. Advent literally means "arrival" or "coming".

In my church, Advent is celebrated each of the four Sundays between Thanksgiving and Christmas. Each Sunday, Advent worship includes the litany, the candle lighting, and the prayer. The specifics of the presentation may differ from church to church, but the meaning is the same. Followers of Jesus Christ prepare their hearts for worshipping him using an Advent wreath.

There are five candles in the Advent wreath: three purple (or dark blue), one pink, and one white. The three purple candles represent the virtues of love, peace, and hope. The pink candle represents joy. Each Sunday, the appropriate candle is lit and the candles representing the virtues examined the previous Sundays as well. The white candle is called the Christ candle and is usually lit on Christmas Day along with the other four candles.

Christian stores sell Advent products in a variety of styles. The Advent centerpiece in the picture is a brass plated circular holder with places for five votive candles in candleholders. Candles can either be votives or long tapers for your wreath.

Creating an Advent wreath at home for personal worship doesn't have to be expensive. An elaborate setup doesn't need to be used in the family setting. Virtually all of the items you will need can be purchased for less at the dollar store for the same quality product.

You will need:

Three purple or dark blue candles (votive or taper)
One pink candle (votive or taper)
One white candle (votive or taper)
Five candleholders (for votives or tapers)
Small holiday swag of artificial pine greenery (18")
Circular tray (to arrange your candles)

1. Choose your candles and candleholders. Trim the wicks on the candles. Light each candle and let a small amount of wax drip into the holder. This will help to hold the candles firmly in place.

2. Arrange four of the candleholders in a circle on the circular tray with the fifth candleholder in the middle of them. If you can spare the expense, a mirrored circular tray would add the perfect accent for the worship display.

3. Place the purple (or dark blue) and pink candles in the outer candleholders in the following configuration: purple-purple-pink-purple. The white candle goes in the center candleholder.

4. Wrap the evergreen swag around the outer candleholders.

5. The Advent wreath worship center is ready to use.

Everyone can lend a hand in creating the Advent wreath. Get the entire family involved in celebrating the true meaning of Christmas.