The Advent Wreath Each week of Advent one more candle is lit until all are burning for Christmas. The symbolism of the wreath is this: The wreath is round: God's creation;His love and care for us has no end. The wreath is evergreen:our hope, faith, and love are always alivewhen they come from God. The wreath has candles:Christ is the Light of the World. Blessing of the Advent Wreath (This service takes place at the beginning of the "First Week in Advent" service.) Leader: Our help is in the name of the Lord. All: Who made heaven and earth. Leader: Let us pray O God, by whose word are all made holy, pour your blessing on this wreath and grant that we who use it may prepare for the coming of Christ, and may receive from you your help and blessings We ask this through Christ our Lord. All: Amen. The First Week in Advent(One child lights the first candle.) All: Jesus said, "I am the Light of the world, he who follows Me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life." Child: Why do we light a candle? Leader: This candle reminds us of God's love and helps us follow God's way. The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness, on them has light shined. Then God Himself will give you a sign. Behold, a young woman is with child and shall bear a son and shall call his name Emmanuel (which means, "God with us".) (The leader then reads John 1:1-14) All sing or say: O Come, O come, Emmanuel, and ransom captive Israel, That mourns in lonely exile here Until the Son of God appear. Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel shall come to thee, O Israel! Leader: Dear God, help us to prepare our home and ourselves for the coming of Jesus. May the light of Jesus' love and truth shine in our lives every day this week. We pray in the Name of Jesus Christ, Our Lord. Amen If building a crèche scene throughout the Advent Season, the stable , the Angel and the crib (without the baby Jesus) should be added as shown below.