How to Use an Advent Wreath

Have you considered using an Advent wreath as part of your preparation for Christmas this year? For both adults and children, using an Advent wreath can make the holiday season more meaningful. Read on for information about how to use an advent wreath in your home this year.

What is an Advent Wreath?

An advent wreath is visual way to make the days until Christmas by lighting candles each day. Many churches have them, and you can purchase one of your own and use it every day with your family.

We have one at our house at part of our Christmas decorations and keep it set up on our dining room table. We use it during our family devotion time and the kids take turns lighting and putting out the candles.

Purple Ribbon Advent WreathJourney to Bethlehem Advent WreathRoman Golden Pine Cone And Purple Ribboned Christmas Advent WreathStaircase Design Advent Wreath Candleholder in Black Finish, 5 1/2 Inch9Christmas Advent Candle Set (Set of 4) – Made in the U.S.A.Abbey Gift Celtic Advent Wreath – Stone Look

As a side note, this little angel candle snuffer was given to us as a house warming gift when we moved into our first home in Indiana, and we are still using it all these years later. This simple gift has been the best present! It’s a wonderful housewarming, wedding, or baptism gift. (Our kids always fight over who puts out the candles.)

Nickel 9

The tradition of using an advent wreath dates back to Germany even before the Reformation.

Traditionally, the colors of the candles on the advent wreath have significance.

Purple – (three candles) royalty because Jesus is our king

Pink – (third candle) is for rejoicing

White – (center candle) is the Christ candle for baby Jesus

The three purple candles are to honor the royalty of the coming of King Jesus. (Note: Some churches use blue for Advent to distinguish this season from Lent, which is also purple, but purple is most traditional.)

The pink candle is used during the third week of Advent as the candle of Rejoicing. “Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice.” Philippians 4:4

We use a white candle in the center of our Advent wreath as the Christ Candle. This is lit on Christmas day in remembrance of the coming of the Christ child. For some traditions, this candle is lit during the 12 days of Christmas.

In our home, we light the white Christ candle on Christmas day and keep it burning throughout the day as a reminder that on this day we celebrate that Christ, our Savior, has come into the world.

How to Use an Advent Wreath

How do you use an Advent wreath?

Each day, light a candle on your advent wreath and read a devotion, say a prayer, or have quiet time for meditation to prepare your heart for Christmas.

I created this graphic with directions for how to use an Advent wreath and included an printable version which you can print here for free.

Where should we send your How to Use an Advent Wreath printable? This How to Use an Advent Wreath printable page is included in the Grow Your Faith printables pack.

 

Advent Devotions

Many people have a short Bible reading or devotion every day during the month of December, especially one that specifically prepares our hearts for Christmas.

Here are a few possible resources. If you know of other good ones, please post them in the comments below.

30 Days of Christmas Bible Readings

Lutheran Hour Ministries — Advent Devotions

Follow the Story – Daily Advent Devotionals – Marva Dawn

Advent resource by Kaylene Yoder – Names of Jesus Advent Pack

Advent Devotions for Little Ones

These advent devotions are especially great for little ones.

This is the Star

The Advent Jesse Tree

Little People A Christmas Story

How to Use an Advent Calendar

An advent calendar is a similar to an Advent wreath in that it’s used to count down the days until Christmas.

There are secular and Christian versions available, but I especially enjoy ones that remind me of the birth of Jesus and help me encourage my children to keep in mind the true reason for the season of Christmas.

An advent calendar can be a little chocolate to open each day, a small gift, or a symbol like a present to put on a tree or another piece of the nativity to put on the set.

There are all types of advent calendars now, even this Lego advent calendar my kids have had their eye on.

If you are looking for a Christian alternative to Elf on the Shelf  (although we do Elf on the Shelf and have a lot of fun with it — and that’s okay, too), check out this Star From Afar.

How do you honor the days leading up to Christmas? Share in the comments below.

More Advent and Christmas Posts for You

What is Advent?

Christmas Lights Scavenger Hunt with Free Printable

25 Days of Fun Christmas Activities

The Holy Mess Printable Christmas Planner

22 of the Best Nativity Activities for Kids

23 Free Nativity Printables for Families

Printable Nativity Activity Book for Kids

 

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