Last Sunday many folks picked up wreath frames and candles and greens for making Advent wreaths at home. If you weren’t able to attend don’t worry, we still have plenty of supplies! You can stop by during weekday office hours or pick up stuff on Sunday.
Now here’s a bit about the history and meaning of the Advent wreath:
Advent wreaths have an interesting history, first originating in the early 19th century in Germany. Johann Hinrich Wichern, a Protestant pastor in Germany and a pioneer in urban mission work among the poor, is credited as the inventor of the modern Advent wreath. During Advent, children at the mission school he founded would ask daily if Christmas had arrived. In 1839, he built a large wooden ring (made out of an old cartwheel) with 20 small red and 4 large white candles. A small candle was lit successively every weekday and Saturday during Advent. On Sundays, a large white candle was lit.
The custom gained ground among Protestant churches in Germany and evolved into the smaller wreath with four or five candles known today. They eventually became fashioned out of evergreens, twisted together in a circle to symbolize continuous life across the seasons, from the death of winter to the new life of spring. Naturally, this earthly symbolism also points to the spiritual symbolism of newness and the promise of eternal life and salvation offered through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. The circular nature of the Advent wreath, similar to a wedding ring or band, is further meant to reflect the unending love of Christ and eternal life offered through salvation. Holly leaves, berries, and seeds are sometimes added to the Advent wreath as well. Holly leaves can be prickly and therefore used to represent the crown of thorns placed on Jesus’s head during his crucifixion. Berries, which are typically red, also point to Christ’s sacrifice and the blood shed for sins. Pinecones, seeds, and nuts are also placed within the wreath as a symbol and promise of new life. Together, the elements of the Advent wreath reflect the new life and eternal salvation offered through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
With all of that being said, you don’t need to know any of that for the lighting of the Advent wreath to become a meaningful practice and tradition in your home. I never told my kids all of this when they were little, they just looked forward to decorating the wreath and getting to light the candles at dinner every night. A few years ago we were all so sad to say goodbye to our wreath at the end of Christmastide that we pulled out regular candlesticks so we could continue to light candles every evening. It became a touchstone for us and another small way to bring faith and spiritual practice into our lives.
My hope for you is that whether it’s an Advent wreath or something else, you will make space in your life to make meaning in this season when we prepare our hearts anew for the arrival of Christ.
Yours in God’s peace,
Kristin+
Sources: Wikipedia, Christianity.com