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BLESSINGS
Blessing of the Advent Wreath
Blessing of a Christmas Tree
Blessing of a Nativity Scene

SUNDAY DEVOTIONS
First Sunday
Second Sunday
Third Sunday
Fourth Sunday

SONGS
O Come, O Come Emannuel
ORDER FOR THE BLESSING OF AN ADVENT WREATH

On the First Sunday of Advent

INTRODUCTION

The use of the Advent Wreath is a traditional practice which has found its place in the church as well as in the home. The blessing of an Advent Wreath takes place on the First Sunday of Advent or on the evening before the First Sunday of Advent. The blessing may be celebrated during Mass (see complete edition, nos. 1517-1520), a celebration of the word of God, or Evening Prayer.

Customarily the Advent Wreath is constructed of a circle of evergreen branches into which are inserted four candles. According to tradition, three of the candles are violet and the fourth is rose. However, four violet or white candles may also be used.

The candles represent the four weeks of Advent and the number of candles lighted each week corresponds to the number of the current week of Advent. The rose candle is lighted on the Third Sunday of Advent, also known as Gaudete Sunday.

When the blessing of the Advent Wreath is celebrated in the home, it is appropriate that it be blessed by a parent or another member of the family; the shorter rite may appropriately be used for this purpose.

When the Advent Wreath is used in the home, the opening prayer of the Sunday Mass is recited when the candles are lighted. The lighting of the candles may be preceded or followed by an Advent hymn and a Scripture reading. The lighting of the Advent Wreath may fittingly be included as a part of the evening meal.

The Advent Wreath may be blessed by a priest, deacon, or a lay minister, and also by a lay person, who follows the rites and prayers designated in the rite for a lay minister. The form below uses the shorter rite.

(From the Book of Blessings, published by authority of Pope John Paul II and approved by the National
Conference of Catholic Bishops and confirmed by the Apostolic See.)


I. RITE OF BLESSING

Begin by making the sign of the cross.

+ In the Name of the Father and Son, and Holy Spirit. Amen.

Our help is in the name of the Lord.

All reply:

Who made heaven and earth.

One of those present or the minister reads a text of sacred Scripture, for example:

Brothers and sisters, listen to the words of the prophet Isaiah: 9:1-2, 5-6

The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light.

The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light;
Upon those who dwelt in the land of gloom a light has shone.
You have brought them abundant joy and great rejoicing,
As they rejoice before you as at the harvest, as men make merry when dividing spoils.
For a child is born to us, a son is given us; upon his shoulder dominion rests.
They name him Wonder-Counselor, God-Hero, Father-Forever, Prince of Peace.
His dominion is vast and forever peaceful,
From David's throne, and over his kingdom, which he confirms and sustains
By judgment and justice, both now and forever.

Lighting the First Candle

A minister who is a priest or deacon says the prayer of blessing with hands outstretched; a lay minister says the prayer with hands joined.

Lord God, your Church joyfully awaits the coming of its Savior, who enlightens
our hearts and dispels the darkness of ignorance and sin.

Pour forth your blessings upon us as we light the candles of this wreath;
may their light reflect the splendor of Christ, who is Lord, for ever and ever.

R. Amen.

The first candle is lighted (purple).

Concluding Prayer

Lord God,
let your blessing come upon us as we light the candles of this wreath.
May the wreath and its light be a sign of Christ's promise to bring us salvation.
May he come quickly and not delay.

We ask this through Christ our Lord.

R. Amen.

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