Posted on 11/29/2003 8:44:32 AM PST by Salvation
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ADVENT WREATH "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” (Book of Blessings 1510). The rose candle is lit the third Sunday of Advent, for this color anticipates and symbolizes the Christmas joy announced in the first word of the Entrance Antiphon: "Rejoice" (Latin, Gaudete). For this reason the Third Sunday is also called Gaudete Sunday, and rose color vestments are permitted. The Advent Wreath represents the long time when people lived in spiritual darkness, waiting for the coming of the Messiah, the Light of the world. Each year in Advent people wait once again in darkness for the coming of the Lord, His historical coming in the mystery of Bethlehem, His final coming at the end of time, and His special coming in every moment of grace. During Advent, family and friends can gather around the Advent Wreath lighting the appropriate candle(s), read from the daily Advent meditation and sing songs. The Church's official Book of Blessings also provides a blessing ceremony for the advent wreath which can be used in the absence of |
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Actually, only in the Latin Rite.
The Byzantines and Orthodox begin on September 1. Thus the year starts just before the birth of Mary (September 8), and ends shortly after her Assumption (August 15). Makes a lot of sense too actually.
BTTT for the Season of Advent -- 2006!
My brother gave us a celtic advent wreath a few years ago so we use that now. We always had a homemade one prior to receiving this one.
My husband became a Catholic (went through RCIA) about 5 years ago. He grew up in a variety of protestant denominations but mostly Assembly of God. But he’s the one that follows the lighting of the candles properly and making sure we have the *fish count* on Christmas Eve.
I met my husband in college and he too thought catholics = pagans. He couldn’t understand the traditions. He’d ask questions, I’d try to answer, then roll my eyes at his attitude/responses/misinformation. Once we became *serious* in our relationship, I basically said I didn’t care what he believed but I was being married in the Catholic Church and raising my kids in my faith. Over the years we’d discuss all the various faiths but I took my Dad’s advice and never tried to convert him. My mom prayed the rosary for him daily and all her novenas were for him, lol. Then one day he told me he was joining RCIA and the reasons he hadn’t before were the exact reasons he should. His dad was raised catholic and hated everything catholic and his mom and dad belonged to the assembly of God. I was shocked. It was a WTH? moment for me because I never expected it. For years the RCIA nun would always comment to me that one day we’ll have (my husband). And once he did she thought it was because of me but it wasn’t - it was because of our kids. They would question why he went to Mass weekly but never received Communion or why he didn’t make the sign of the cross when we prayed, and stuff like that. He’d say he didn’t do that and I’d say it was because he wasn’t Catholic. He’d insist that he was a Catholic and I’d say he wasn’t. He wasn’t receiving the Sacraments and that’s a huge part of being Catholic. He attended CAtholic Mass with me since we were in college and considered himself Catholic. When he joined RCIA I told my mom and she was beside herself. She had been praying for it since the beginning of our relationship. She died last year but he became a Catholic about 5 years ago, and my dad died 8 years ago so he couldn’t see it but I know following his advice way back when he told me not to make it an issue was the best advice.
It was amazing when he became a catholic during the Easter Vigil years ago. He’s still a team member of RCIA and helps others in the program.
He still has trouble with Confession/Sacrament of Reconciliation, lol, but don’t we all ;)
I honestly never thought I’d see the day when he would become a Catholic, especially since his dad was raised one and is so hateful about the Church. But, he did, so if he did then anyone can :)
Abbey Press has them as do most Irish gift shops or the St. Jude Shoppe. They’re pretty common in this area (Philly). I ran out last year and got them from the St. Jude Shoppe in Philly but my brother got me a set from an Irish themed gift shop so I have an extra set. But like you mentioned, I don’t think I’ve ever seen the Advent candles in walmart or kmart or target, etc.
BTTT!
BTTT!!!!
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