Devotions for an Advent Wreath

The Advent wreath is a popular custom that originated in Germany in the 16th century. It consists of an evergreen wreath and four candles. three purple and one rose. The candles are lit every night during Advent—one purple candle the first week, two the second week, two purple and the rose candle the third week and all of them the fourth week.

Anyone may light the candles but some families have adopted the custom of having the youngest child light the first week, the oldest the second week, the mother the third week and father the fourth week.

The steps below describe how to bless the Advent wreath.

1. Make the Sign of the Cross

2. Pray the Responsory
The leader recites the verse, and the family (or group) responds. If you are alone, recite both the verse and the response.

V. Our help is in the name of the Lord. R. Who made Heaven and earth.

3. Optional for the blessing of wreath: Read Isaiah 9:1-2, 5-6
This passage from the Prophet Isaiah, familiar to many from Handel's Hallelujah Chorus, which reminds us that Christ is our light, and that His Birth brought us out of the darkness of sin and saved us.

4. Pray the Prayer of Blessing
The leader prays the following prayer over the Advent wreath, and the family (or group) replies "Amen."

O God, by whose word all things are sanctified, pour forth thy blessing upon this wreath, and grant that we who use it may prepare our hearts for the coming of Christ and may receive from Thee abundant graces. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

5. Sprinkle the Advent Wreath With Holy Water
The leader sprinkles the Advent wreath with holy water.

6. Pray the Advent Wreath Prayer and light the appropriate candles.

First Week
Sitr up Thy might, we pray thee and come; that, defended by Thee, we may deserve rescue from approaching dangers brought on by our sins, and being set free by Thee, obtain our salvation. Who livest and reignest, with God the Father, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end. Amen.
(One purple candle is lighted by youngest child)

Second Week
O Lord, stir up our hearts, O Lord, to prepare the ways of Thine only-begotten Son, that through His coming we may be worthy to serve Thee with purified minds. Who livest and reignest, with God the Father, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end. Amen.
(Two purple candles lighed by oldest child)

Third Week
O Lord, we beg Thee, Incline Thine ear to our prayers, O Lord, we beseech Thee; and make bright the darkness of our minds by the grace of Thy visitation. Who livest and reignest, with God the Father, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end. Amen.
(Two purple candles and rose candle lighted by the mother)

Fourth Week
O Lord, stir up Thy great power and come to our aid so that Thy grace and merciful forgiveness may hasten what our sins impede, through Christ Our Lord Who livest and reignest, with God the Father, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end. Amen.
(All four candles lighed by the father)