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Church
of SS. Cosmas and Damian
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| An Advent wreath
symbolizes our longing for the coming of Christ. The wreath is a circle of
evergreen branches into which are set four candles. Traditionally, three
candles are violet and one is rose, but four violet or four white candles
may also be used. The wreath symbolizes many things. Evergreens signify God’s enduring promise of redemption, evident like green branches in the midst of snow. The circle signifies our hope for the return of Christ, whose kingdom will have no end. The colors of the candles match the traditional colors of the vesture for the four Sundays of Advent. Violet garments signify our penitent hope for salvation. The rose color, which may be worn on Advent’s Third Sunday, signals that the season is nearly over—joy is at hand! The wreath’s most luminous symbol is its growing light. One candle is lit on the First Sunday of Advent, two on the Second, three on the Third and all four on the Fourth. In the Northern Hemisphere, Advent comes at a time when the days decrease to their shortest length. As the hours of darkness increase, we light more candles on the wreath. The wreath, which symbolizes the coming of Christ, grows in intensity as the anniversary of Jesus’ birth draws near. The Advent wreath may be used at home or at church. It should be blessed on the First Sunday of Advent after the homily at Mass, at Evening Prayer Saturday night, or during a prayer service that includes biblical readings and Advent songs. At home, the wreath could be blessed by a family member and lit during the evening meal to remind everyone of the true meaning of this holy season. Copyright 2002 Resource Publications, Inc., Paul Turner |
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