How to Set Up and Pray with an Advent Wreath: A Simple Guide for Catholic Families

Advent begins on Sunday, November 29 this year and few traditions mark the season as beautifully as the Advent wreath. Lighting one more candle each week turns the busy weeks before Christmas into a time of waiting, prayer and hope. Whether this is your family's first wreath or your fortieth, here's everything you need to get started.

What the Advent wreath means

Every part of the wreath carries meaning. The circle has no beginning and no end, a reminder of God's eternal love. The evergreens speak of life that endures through winter. And the growing light of the candles points to Christ, the Light of the World, drawing nearer with each passing week.

The four candles

A traditional Catholic Advent wreath holds four candles: three purple and one rose. Purple is the color of prayer, penance and preparation. The rose candle is lit on the third Sunday, Gaudete Sunday, when the Church pauses to rejoice because Christmas is near. Many families also give each week a theme:

• First Sunday, November 29 (purple): Hope
• Second Sunday, December 6 (purple): Peace
• Third Sunday, December 13 (rose): Joy
• Fourth Sunday, December 20 (purple): Love

Some families add a white "Christ candle" in the center and light it on Christmas Day.

How to set up your wreath

1. Choose a spot where your family gathers, like the dinner table, so the wreath becomes part of everyday life.
2. Place the candles with the rose candle in its own position so it's easy to find in week three.
3. Bless your wreath on the first Sunday of Advent. Your parish priest can bless it, or your family can pray a blessing together at home.
4. Light the candles each evening of the week: one in week one, two in week two, and so on, adding the rose candle on Gaudete Sunday.

Praying around the wreath

Your prayer time doesn't need to be long. Gather once a day, light that week's candles, read a short Scripture passage, and close with a simple prayer, such as:

Lord Jesus, as we light this candle, prepare our hearts to welcome you. Fill our home with your hope, peace, joy and love as we wait for your coming. Amen.

Singing a verse of "O Come, O Come, Emmanuel" is a lovely way to end, and children love taking turns lighting (or blowing out) the candles with a grown-up's help. For a ready-made routine, 5 Minute Prayers Around the Advent Wreath keeps each evening short and meaningful.

Finding the right wreath for your home

• A classic for the table: the Gold Pine Cone Advent Wreath or the Four Weeks of Advent Pewter Wreath becomes a keepsake you'll bring out year after year.
• Something special: the Holly Design Advent Wreath and the Celtic Knot Advent Wreath With Candles make a beautiful centerpiece, and a thoughtful gift for newlyweds or a family's first Advent in a new home.
• Homes with little ones: the soft Fabric Advent Wreath and the Magnetic Advent Wreath Set let children join in safely, no flame needed.
• Candles: our 10" Advent Candle Set fits most wreaths, and the LED Advent Candle Set is perfect for dorms, nursing homes, or anywhere open flame isn't allowed.

Browse everything for the season in our Advent collection, including calendars, devotionals and gifts.

Handmade options, available only in store

This year, Karen has handmade a small number of Advent wreaths for our shop. Each one is one of a kind, made with care to bring a little extra beauty to your family's prayer this season. Because no two are alike, they aren't available online. You'll find them only in our Indianapolis store, and once they're gone, they're gone! If you've been looking for a wreath with a personal touch, or a gift with a story behind it, stop in early for the best selection.

Visit us in Indianapolis

Since 1978, families have stopped by The Village Dove to pick out their Advent wreaths and candles. Come see us at 6935 Lake Plaza Dr, Suite B3, and we'll gladly help you find the right wreath for your home. Wishing you and your family a blessed and peaceful Advent.