The Advent Wreath

I didn't grow up with the tradition of the Advent wreath in my house. At church, yes. But not one in my home. We started doing it as a family after Michael died. I'm not sure quite why the boys wanted to bring this tradition to our dining room table, but who am I to discourage a desire to connect with things divine? So we began.

Over the years, we have changed the look of the wreath we use - now we find a fresh pine wreath with natural decorations - pinecones and berries and such - and one ribbon, usually red. I have both a silver circular four-candle holder and four separate glass candle holders and we seem to alternate which set we use. This year, it is the four separate glass holders and two pink and two purple tall tapers which we get from Wegmans. They are thick and a bit on the rustic side, speaking of things ancient and homespun. The tapers are bought every year, but the white pillar candle for the middle is the same candle I have been using practically since we started the tradition.

Sunday after church, we gather by the wreath, read a small devotional reflection about the candle we are lighting, then light however many candles the week calls for. Afterwards, we eat dinner and watch a movie while the candles quietly flicker on the coffee table or entertainment center top. This year, we set the wreath on the kitchen table where it takes up the whole back half of the table. I will have to pull out the drop down leaf to make room for eating there.

The pine smell of the fresh wreath lends a festive atmosphere to our whole apartment. The candles point us to the heavens and direct our thoughts to the One who made the season happen. The readings, while short and read hurriedly (after all, hungry boys are hungry!), seem to be meaningful to the boys, touching something deep inside. The differing lengths of the candles, showing for how many weeks each one had been lighted and waiting, emphasizes the intergenerational aspect of our family.

Its just a small gesture in the overall scheme of Christmas madness. But it marks time in a significant way, reminding us that we are still waiting for the final answer, and it may take some time to happen. I don't know if you do a family Advent wreath, but if not, I would encourage you to start. It might surprise you how deep the tradition runs.