An Advent Wreath in Every Home

The season of Advent is a beautiful time to add simple prayers and practices to the lives of young children. The four weeks leading up to Christmas day are full of anticipation for little ones and so it is the perfect opportunity to teach patience, prayer and the joy of watching for a great event.

Each home should have an advent wreath. The wreath is full of simple symbols that children can understand. The circle that has no beginning and no end like God's love; the every green branches that stay alive even during the darkest time of the year reminding us of God's constant presence.Children love the bright pinks, purples and blues of advent candles and the slow change from dark to light as more and more candles are lit each week.

Further, the wreath with its lighting of sequential candles as the weeks burn on gives an opportunity for hands-on learning. Constructing the wreath with pine branches, either real or artificial is a simple project. (Parents may need to remember that it is the process that is more important than the end product.) There are many resources from which to find prayers of children to pray during Advent. For a lovely moment parents and children should read or repeat the advent prayer each day and then in silence light the candles, teaching children both the disciplines of praying together and of silence.

The advent wreath tradition brings families together during what can be a hectic time. The short time spent praying and taking turns lighting the candles can be an oasis of peace and a reminder of God's grace as we move into and through the holiday season.