The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light...(Isaiah 9:1).
We are an Advent people—a people who live in the eternal hope and expectation of the ever burning light of the Risen One. The four candles of the Advent Wreath express “Our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of the great God and of our Savior Christ Jesus” (Titus 2:13).
Of German origin, the custom of the Advent Wreath has been adopted by many families, churches and communities. The candles in the Advent Wreath remind us that Jesus Christ is the Light of the world. The circle of the wreath itself symbolizes the eternity of God and the Father’s presence throughout human history. Evergreen branches, often used in decorating wreaths, are reminders of the eternal life of God in Christ. Traditionally, the wreath includes three purple candles, reminding us of the Baptizer’s call to conversion and prayer, and a rose or pink candle, symbolizing the Third Sunday of Advent’s Gaudete call to “Rejoice in the Lord always!”
The Advent Wreath, then, is a symbol of our faith: that light and life will triumph over darkness and death, that our hope in God’s providence and love will never leave us disappointed.

Fourth Sunday of Advent prayers: As four candles are lighted:
Presider: Today you will know that the Lord is coming;
ALL: and in the morning we will behold God’s glory.
Presider: The day of the Lord is near; in joyful hope, let us offer to God our prayers: That we may be blessed with the spirit of simplicity that marked Jesus’ birth, we pray to the Lord:
ALL: May your birth bring peace to all, O Lord.
Presider: That we may be blessed with the spirit of joy that marked Jesus’ teachings, we pray to the Lord:
ALL: May your birth bring peace to all, O Lord.
Presider: That we may be blessed with the spirit of compassion that marked Jesus’ healing of the sick and the dying, we pray to the Lord:
ALL: May your birth bring peace to all, O Lord.
Presider: The Messiah revealed to us the love of God our Father; and so, let us pray as one family:
ALL: Our Father….
Presider: The long night is over; we await the dawning of your great light, O God. May the rising of Christ the Morningstar fill our home and hearts with the radiance of your love every day of every season. We ask this in the name of your Son, Jesus, your Radiant Light.
ALL: Amen.
BLESSING
Presider: The grace of God has appeared, with salvation for all! May God bless us with kindness and love this day/night and always!
ALL: Amen.

The Season of Light, Jay Cormier