Editor’s Note: The information is offered as a guideline only, recognizing that not all families are composed of two parents and two children.

The Advent wreath for centuries has been a family tradition as a means of preparing for the celebration of the coming of Christ. Its religious significance and use has the sanction of all Christian denominations.

Though originally the Advent wreath hung from the ceiling on ribbons, custom of recent years permits its use on the dinner table. The symbolism of the Advent wreath is as follows:

The round shape of the ring represents the circle of eternity. The evergreens are the symbol of life immortal, and each candle is for one Sunday in Advent. The churches which have liturgical regulations for color suggest the use of three purple and one rose-colored candle. Those churches which do not have liturgical color regulations accept these colors, though white and red candles are acceptable in the absence of the availability of purple and rose.

On the first Sunday in Advent, Dec. 3, the youngest child lights a purple candle, and prayers are said. The candle is allowed to burn through the evening meal and through the week at the evening meal until consumed. Another purple candle is lighted on Sunday of the second week of Advent, Dec. 10, by the oldest child, and prayers are said.

The rose candle is lit by the mother on the third Sunday of Advent, Dec. 17. On the fourth Sunday of Advent, Dec. 24, the last purple candle is lighted by the father. Thus during the fourth week of Advent, all candles will be burning. The wreath is to be used on Christmas Day as a centerpiece with four white or four red candles for the festive meal.

On Saturday evening before the first Sunday of Advent, the whole family should gather around the wreath for the blessing of the wreath by the father. The following formula can be used:

Father: “Our help is in the name of the Lord.” ALL: “Who made heaven and earth.” Father: “Let us pray. O God, by whose word all things are sanctified, pour forth Thy blessings 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.” ALL: “Amen.”

Sprinkle the holy wreath with water. The following are sample prayers for each week. After the prayer, the candle is lit.

FIRST WEEK. Father: “O Lord, stir up thy might, we beg Thee, and come, that by Thy protection we may deserve to be rescued from the threatening dangers of our sins and saved by Thy deliverance. Through Christ our Lord.” ALL: “Amen.”

SECOND WEEK. Father: “O Lord, stir up our hearts that we may prepare for Thy only begotten son, that through His coming we may be made worthy to serve Thee with pure minds. Through Christ our Lord.” ALL: “Amen.”

THIRD WEEK. Father: “O Lord, we beg Thee, incline Thy ear to our prayers and enlighten the darkness of our minds by the grace of Thy visitation. Through Christ our Lord.” ALL: “Amen.”

FOURTH WEEK. Father: “O Lord, stir up Thy power, we pray Thee, and come; and with great might help us, that with the help of Thy grace, Thy merciful forgiveness may hasten what our sins impede. Through Christ our Lord.” ALL: “Amen.”