The Advent Wreath & Home Worship

By Phyllis Kidwell, director of children’s ministry and Rev. Pamela Leach, associate pastor

The Advent wreath symbolizes the progression of the Advent season, the first four Sundays of the church year when we await both the birth and return of the Messiah. Like a count down to Christmas Day, the wreath and its five candles help us visualize our anticipation of Jesus’ return. One candle is lit on the Advent wreath for each week of Advent that has passed, and one last candle—the white Christ candle—is lit on Christmas Eve. The lighting of the candles in the dark winter represents the light of Christ’s coming into the world. 

Light the candles in your Advent wreath as part of your family’s home worship, during your dinner hour, or as part of a personal time of devotion to enrich your preparation for the Christmas season.

(If you do not have an Advent wreath, supplies are available at the church. See Phyllis Kidwell to obtain one for your home.)

Use this suggested order as a guide, and feel free to adapt it to suit your use. See weekly devotional for hymn, scripture, and meditation.

Lighting of the Advent Wreath

Week One: Light the first purple candle.
                   Scripture: Isaiah 2:1-5

Week Two: Light the first and second purple candles.
                   Scripture: Isaiah 6:1-8

Week Three: Light the first two purple candles and the pink candle.
                     Scripture: Isaiah 35:1-10

Week Four: Light all the purple candles and the pink candle.
                    Scripture: Isaiah 7:2-16

Christmas Eve: Light all of the candles, including the white Christ candle.

Opening Words//  Psalm 80:5

Restore us, O God; let your face shine, that we may be saved.

Suggested Hymn  

Scripture Reading

Meditation & Study

Prayers of Thanksgiving & Intercession

Personal or group prayers of thanksgiving and intercession can be concluded with the weekly prayer provided.

Closing Words//  Isaiah 2:5

Come, let us walk in the light of the Lord.