BLESSING OF THE ADVENT

WREATH
INTRODUCTION:

Leader: The lighting of an Advent Wreath is a

traditional custom that originated in Germany in
the 16th century. On the branches of the wreath
are four candles: three purple and one pink candle.
In the center of the wreath sits a white candle.

On the first Sunday of Advent, the first purple (or violet) candle is lit. This is called the "Prophecy Candle" and recalls the
prophets, particularly Isaiah, who foretold the birth of Jesus Christ. It represents the hope or expectation of the coming
Messiah.

Each Sunday following, an additional candle is lit. On the second Sunday of Advent, the second purple candle called the
"Bethlehem Candle," is lit. This candle represents love and symbolizes Christ's manger.

On the third Sunday of Advent, the pink (or rose) candle is lit. This Sunday is called Gaudete Sunday. Gaudete is a Latin
word meaning "rejoice." The change from purple to pink signifies the transition in the season from repentance to
celebration. The pink candle is called the "Shepherds Candle" and represents joy.

The last purple candle is called the "Angels Candle," It is lit on the fourth Sunday of Advent and represents peace.

Traditionally, on Christmas Eve, the white center candle is lit. This "Christ Candle" represents the life of Jesus Christ that has
come to light the world. It represents purity.

Leader: In the name of the Father, and of the Son…. Our help is in the name of the Lord
All: Who made heaven and earth?
Leader: Let us now pray for God’s blessings upon us and this wreath. (Blessing of the wreath)
After a short silence, the leader prays:
Lord our God, we praise You for Your Son, Jesus Christ: He is Emmanuel, the hope of the peoples, He is the
wisdom that teaches and guides us, He is the Saviour of every nation.
Lord God, let your blessing come upon us as we light the candles of this wreath. May the wreath and its light be a sign of
Christ’s promise to bring us salvation. May He come quickly and not delay.
We ask this through Christ our Lord.

All: Amen
 FIRST SUNDAY OF ADVENT 2023
Song: Halina Hesus, Halina

Gospel Reading: Mark 13:33-37

Reflection:
In today’s reading from the Gospel of Mark, we hear about the return of Christ. Jesus
affirms that we will not know when His return will be. Therefore, we should not get caught up in
predictions of His return as, unfortunately, many people have made throughout history and
especially in recent years. Trying to predict the time of His return is pointless and only serves to
distract us from the point of Jesus’ words here and elsewhere about His second coming: prepare!
Jesus wants us to be ready for His return. We are to be “alert” and “watchful.” That means we
are to be focused on the Lord. It’s easy in our society to get distracted. There are hundreds of
things pulling us in different directions, especially this time of year, so we can easily lose focus
on what’s most important: our faith. During Advent, we are called to focus on our relationship
with God. We are called, in particular, to repent of our sins and receive God’s forgiveness. That
way, we can be ready when Jesus comes. While Jesus is away (like the traveling man in the
Gospel), what are we doing with what He has given us? Are we working diligently to fulfill what
He asks us to do? Or are we sleeping and, therefore, not paying attention to God’s will? We
cannot know when Jesus will return but we can ensure that when He comes His house will not be
in shambles. We should prepare our hearts by turning from sin and turning to God this Advent.

Moment of silence: Personal prayer and special prayer intentions.

Taking it Home: (practical ways of living the Word of God)

 Take time this week to examine your conscience, reflecting on where

you have fallen short in serving God. Then, visit the Sacrament of
Reconciliation to confess those sins. God is waiting there to offer you
His grace and forgiveness.
 If Jesus were to return today, would you be ready? Would he find His
“house” (i.e. your life) in shambles or good order? What do you need to
do to prepare your heart for Christ’s return? Maybe it’s time to do some
housecleaning and ready yourself to welcome Christ.

Let us Pray:
Come, long - expected Jesus. Excite in me a wonder at the wisdom and power of Your Father
and ours. Receive my prayers as part of my service of the Lord who enlists me in God’s own
work for justice.
Come, long-expected Jesus. Excite in me a hunger for peace; peace in the world, peace in my
home, peace in myself.
Come, long-expected Jesus. Excite in me a joy responsive to the Father’s joy. I seek His will so I
can serve with gladness, singing, and love.
Come, long-expected Jesus. Excite in me the joy and love and peace it is the right to bring to the
manger of my Lord. Raise in me, too, sober reverence for the God who acted there, hearty
gratitude for the life begun there, and spirited resolution to serve the Father and Son.
We pray in the name of Jesus Christ, whose advent I hail. AMEN