We were very fortunate last year that one of our very handy friends gave us this advent wreath candle holder. He made the wooden holder part and I picked up the (fake) greenery and candles at Michaels. For those of you who are unfamiliar with an advent wreath, it consists of 5 candles that are lit during the season of advent. Advent is the season of waiting in the Christian year. Not only does it represent the waiting to celebrate the birth of Christ, but also, the waiting for the coming Christ. Advent begins the four Sundays leading up to Christmas. The 5th Candle is lit on Christmas Eve.
Each candle represents something different. The first candle is purple (sometimes blue) and represents hope or prophet. The second candle is also purple (or blue) and can be called the Bethlehem Candle or the Candle of Preparation. (Some pastors will name the candles in correspondance to their sermon message of the week, my husband named his Holiness this week). The third candle is pink (signifying that the wait is almost over) and can be called the Shepherd Candle or the Candle of Joy. The 4th Candle is purple (or blue) and is often called the Angel Candle or the Candle of Love. Finally, the Centre Candle is white and is the Christ Candle.
As a family we light the candle of the week each night at supper (so I keep a supply of extra candles handy). You light the first one the first week, the first and second the second week and so on until all 5 are lit at Christmas.
This year I made a simple mini felt banner to hang. The candles and the holly I attached by Heat and Bond, but the flames are just felt (as felt sticks to felt nicely). It's a great way for the kids to be involved in this season of Advent.
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