Lighting the Advent Candles

Each year we count down to Christmas by lighting candles: we count 4 Sundays before Christmas Day and light one for each.  So, as the days grow shorter and the darkness longer, we light more candles to give more light.  We are remembering that with Jesus' arrival, the Light of the World has come.  We also focus on one thing each Sunday:  Hope, Peace, Joy and Love. 

Do you have Advent Candles at home?  If not, this is the year to take this practise home!  During virtual worship, you can light your own candles.  All you need is 4 candles.  But if you want to do something more, read on.  

Notice we haven't referred to Advent "Wreath", but rather Advent Candles.  You certainly can have a wreath, but the candles are the important piece here.  

If you prefer a wreath, here's a simple one to make at home with ingredients you have:  Salt Dough Wreath.  The evergreen wreath has additional meaning:  the circle and using evergreens are symbols of eternal life.

Check out these homemade options:

Want to read more about the Advent Wreath, history and practices?  Check this out:  The Light of the World