From the Pastor’s desk— November 23, 2025

Preparation for Advent

In family practice, the Advent wreath is most appropriately lit at dinner time after the blessing of the food. A traditional prayer service using the Advent wreath proceeds as follows:

First Sunday of Advent: The father/mother of the family blesses

the wreath, praying:

O God, by whose word all things are sanctified, pour forth Thy blessing upon this wreath, and grant that we who use it may prepare our hearts for the coming of Christ and may receive from Thee abundant graces. Who livest and reignest forever. Amen.”

He then continues for each day during the first week of Advent to pray:  

O Lord, stir up Thy might, we beg thee, and come, that by Thy protection we may deserve to be rescued from the threatening dangers of our sins and saved by Thy deliverance. Who livest and reignest forever. Amen.” The youngest child then lights one purple candle.

Second Sunday of Advent: The father/mother prays:

O Lord, stir up our hearts that we may prepare for Thy only begotten Son, that through His coming we may be made worthy to serve Thee with pure minds. Who livest and reingest forever. Amen.” The oldest child then lights the purple candle from the first week plus one more purple candle.

Third week of Advent: The father/mother prays:

O Lord, we beg Thee, incline Thy ear to our prayers and enlighten the darkness of our minds by the grace of Thy visitation. Who livest and reingest forever. Amen.” The mother/father then lights the two previously lit purple candles plus the rose candle.

Fourth week of Advent: Finally, the father prays:

O Lord, stir up Thy power, we pray Thee, and come; and with great might help us, that with the help of Thy grace, Thy merciful forgiveness may hasten what our sins impede. Who livest and reingest forever. Amen.” The father/mother then lights all of the candles of the wreath.

Since Advent is a time to stir-up our faith in the Lord, the wreath and its prayers provide us a way to augment this special preparation for Christmas. Moreover, this good tradition helps us to remain vigilant in our homes and not lose sight of the true meaning of Christmas. -Rev Saunders

✨Challenge: Purchase or make an Advent Wreath for your dinner table and share this age-old tradition with your family!

Wreath, 3 purple Candles, one Rose (Pink) candle (LED candles can work also)

PRO TIP- make sure candles are blown out after dinner, this is a very common mistake that could lead to fires.