Advent Learning Centers: Advent Wreath & Christ Candle

Candles represent: Hope, Peace, Joy, Love

"The Advent Wreath is round signifying the Lord who had no beginning and has no end. It is green signifying hope in the winter. The four candles signify the four weeks of Advent and the dark ages before the light of Christ coming. Purple = penance. Pink = joy. On the third week our joy burst forth before returning to the sober preparation of penance and prayer, to welcome Our Lord on HIS BIRTHDAY." (~ Courtesy of my friend Patricia)

BLESSING FOR THE ADVENT WREATH (by laypersons):

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.

Christ Candle: a simple white candle w/ a "room" hollowed out at the base and covered by a curtain of satin, silk, or tulle revealing (on Christmas morning) the Christ Child.

Christ Candles can be made like this:

SUPPLIES

empty tiolet paper roll or empty paper towel roll

white wrapping tissue paper

miniature baby

candy

any other trinkets you wish to include

DIRECTIONS

* place miniature baby, candy, and trinkets inside of roll

* wrap in tissue paper which sticks out beyond both ends of roll

*stuff tissue ends into roll

*add yellow tissue wrapping paper to top as candle flame

* Print this prayer and tape on your "Christ candle" with a note that it cannot be opened until Christmas morning:

God of love, Father of all,

the darkness that covered the earth

has given way to the bright dawn of your Word made flesh.

Make us a people of this light.

Make us faithful to your Word

that we may bring your life to the waiting world.

Grant this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

(From The Roman Missal, Catholic Book Publishing Co.)