Gather the family and make a wreath. Explain the use of the advent wreath. The circle shape represents the eternal love of God that has no beginning or end. The evergreens are reminders of growth, God's creative power, and God's eternal love. The light of the candles symbolizes Christ, the light of the world.
Meaning of the First Candle
The four candles represent four weeks to Christmas. The first candle is called the Prophecy Candle or the Candle of Hope. It reminds people of the hope prophets foretold of the coming of the Messiah. This is usually a purple candle because purple is the color of royalty in the Bible and also a color for penance. This week the readings can center on prophecies about the birth of Jesus. Read and discuss the following verses:
- Genesis 3:15 the promise that the savior would be born of a woman, a descendant of Eve
- Isaiah 9:7 the prophecy of the savior to come from the line of David
- Micah 5:2 the prophecy of Christ's birth in Bethlehem
- Isaiah 7:14 the prophecy of the virgin birth
- Hosea 11:1 the prophecy of Mary and Joseph fleeing to Egypt with Jesus
- Daniel 9:25 the prophecy of the time of his birth
- Isaiah 61:1 and Isaiah 35:4-6 the prophecies that Jesus would perform miracles
Activities for the First Week of Advent
Light the candle each night and add some activities to extend the preparations for Christmas. Sing songs about the coming of Jesus, such as O Come, O Come Immanuel and O Come Let us Adore Him and Come All Ye Faithful. Start a paper chain of links for each good deed family members do for Jesus, or use straw for each deed to make a soft bed for Jesus.
Consider a project of hope. This might be choosing gifts to give a needy child, helping an elderly neighbor, or helping a family facing financial difficulties. Think of ways to make this a family project by planning to shop together, wrap gifts together, or write cards to give.
Announce the coming of Christ with Christmas cards. Choose cards that give a message of hope at Christmas. Write, stamp, and mail cards as a family. Pass cards out to friends and neighbors too. Add cheer by saying, "Merry Christmas" as often as possible.
Prepare hearts by asking God for forgiveness and filling hearts with messages of God's love.
Start other preparations this week, such as putting up decorations. Talk about how the decorations also give a message of hope and reflect the meaning of Christmas. With these simple activities the wreath will become a focus for celebrating the reason for Christmas.
Karen Whiting - Professional freelance writer with ten published books and hundreds of published articles. My books are for women (time management and ...
Join the Conversation