Use a classroom Advent wreath to get your Catholic religious education class into the true Christmas spirit.

The Advent wreath is one of the most beautiful symbols of the Christian faith. It’s the first “Christmas decoration” to be taken out of storage and put out for display, and its warm, vibrant shades of pink and purple are a welcome contrast in a sea of red and green.

Every CCD classroom should use an Advent wreath on its prayer table during the weeks leading up to Christmas. Gather your students around the Advent wreath and pray an Advent prayer together as you light the candles.

It’s easy and fun to make your own Advent wreath as a classroom Advent activity. Your students can make their own Advent wreaths in class with some Advent wreath craft ideas.

The History of the Advent Wreath

The Advent wreath has been a part of Catholic traditions for so long, its origins are uncertain. The Rev. William Saunders writes in CatholicEducation.org that there is evidence of pre-Christian Germanic people using wreaths with lit candles during the cold, dark December days, as a sign of hope of spring. By the Middle Ages, Christians adapted the tradition and used Advent wreaths as part of their spiritual preparation for Christmas

How We Celebrate Advent

Starting on the first Sunday of Advent and continuing daily through the first week, light one purple candle and pray together as a family or group.

The next week, light the first purple candle and a second purple candle.

In the third week of Advent, relight the first two purple candles and light the pink candle. This is a week of rejoicing, for Advent at the halfway mark.

In the fourth week, light all the candles.

Symbols of the Advent Wreath

The Advent Wreath is full of symbols of the Catholic faith.

• The wreath shape – the circular wreath, which has no beginning or end, symbolizes the eternity of God and the everlasting life found in Christ.

• Evergreens – The greenery of the Advent wreath symbolizes continuous life.

• Candles – The four candles represent the weeks of Advent. The three purple candles symbolize the prayer, penance and good works done during Advent. The pink candle is lit on the third Sunday of Advent and stands for rejoicing, hope and expectation.

People light candles for Advent because Christ is the light of the world.

A white candle in the center of some Advent wreaths represents Christ and is lit on Christmas Eve.

Advent Prayers

Advent prayers often focus on asking God for help and guidance in the mission to do good works during Advent. Daily Advent prayers help keep people focused on the true meaning of the Christmas season.

If you are praying with an Advent wreath at weekly religion classes, here are some prayer examples:

First Sunday: We hear the glad sounds around us of people preparing for the coming of Jesus. We thank you, Jesus, for coming each year in a special way. During this month, everyone seems more loving and kind. Through prayers, help us to keep this feeling of joy all year long. God the Father has sent you to us to know, to love, and to serve you.

Second Sunday: Father, thank you for letting us celebrate Jesus’ birthday again. Help us to be like Him, so when people look at us they see goodness and beauty like we see in Jesus.

Third Sunday: O God, thank you for this day you have made. Help us to be kinder to one another in our homes and friendlier to the people around us. Help us to do right and avoid doing wrong.

Fourth Sunday: Today we thank you, Lord, for giving us people who can tell us about you and your coming. We thank you for our priests and teachers and everyone who talks about you in a loving way. Help us to pay attention so we may love the way you have shown us.