The Advent wreath, or Advent crown, is a Christian tradition that symbolizes the passage of the four weeks of Advent in the liturgical calendar of the Western church. It is traditionally a Lutheran practice, although it has spread to many other Christian denominations.[1][2][3]
It is an evergreen wreath with four candles, sometimes with a fifth, white candle in the center. Beginning with the First Sunday of Advent, the lighting of a candle can be accompanied by a Bible reading, devotional time and prayers.[4][5] An additional candle is lit on each subsequent Sunday until, by the last Sunday of Advent, all four candles are lit. Some Advent wreaths include a fifth, Christ candle which is lit on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day.[6] The custom originated in family settings but has also become widespread in public worship.
- ^ Peter C. Bower (2003). The Companion to the Book of Common Worship. Office of Theology and Worship, Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). ISBN 978-0-664-50232-4. Retrieved 2 December 2010.
It apparently emanated from the Lutheran tradition, but it has been appropriated by almost all other traditions.
- ^ John Trigilio, Kenneth Brighenti (2007). The Catholicism Answer Book: The 300 Most Frequently Asked Questions. Sourcebooks. ISBN 978-1-4022-3229-9. Retrieved 2 December 2010.
Historically, the Advent wreath is a Lutheran custom dating back three hundred years ago.
- ^ Carl Seaburg (2003). Celebrating Christmas: An Anthology. Unitarian Universalist Ministers Association. ISBN 978-0-595-30974-0. Retrieved 2 December 2010.
The use of an Advent Wreath originated a few hundred years ago among Lutherans in Germany.
- ^ Geddes, Gordon; Griffiths, Jane (2001). Christianity. Heinemann. p. 96. ISBN 978-0-435-30695-3.
Every day during Advent, the candle is lit and burnt down to the next number. In many homes, a reading from the Bible and a prayer accompanies the lighting of the candle.
- ^ Bradner, John (1977). Symbols of Church Seasons and Days. Morehouse-Barlow Company. ISBN 978-0-8192-1228-3.
The Advent wreath usually rests on a horizontal surface. This is especially appropriate when it is used in the home as the center for daily Advent devotions.
- ^ Dennis Bratcher. The Season of Advent: Anticipation and Hope. Christian Research Institute. Archived from the original on 2 January 2011. Retrieved 2 December 2010.
Finally, the light that has come into the world is plainly visible as the Christ candle is lighted at Christmas, and worshippers rejoice over the fact that the hope and promise of long ago have been realized.