Blessing of an Advent Wreath in the Home

The Advent wreath is made of a circle of branches with four candles set within it.  The circle of evergreens is a symbol of hope unending—the circle without beginning or end and evergreens that remain alive when other trees shed leaves that die and fall to earth.  The candles, one lit each week, remove the darkness with light that increases as we anticipate the coming of Christ, our Light of the World. 

Before lighting the first candle, the household gathers for this blessing.
“O Come, O Come Emmanuel” may be sung and a passage from
scripture is read (Isaiah 9:1-2).
 
(someone reads)
 
In the short days and long nights of Advent,
we realize how we are always waiting for deliverance,
always needing salvation by our God. 
Around this wreath, we will remember God’s promise.
 
Let us pray for God’s blessing upon us and upon this wreath.
 
Lord, our God, we praise you for your Son, Jesus Christ: he is Emmanuel,
the hope of the peoples, he is the wisdom that teaches and guides us,
he is the Savior of every nation.
 
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.
Amen.   (the first candle is lit)
 
Each day in Advent, perhaps at the evening meal, the candles are lighted; one the first week; two the second and so on using this prayer: 

Blessed are you, Lord our God
in the darkness and in the light.
Blessed are you
in this food and in our sharing.
Blessed are you
as we wait in joyful hope for the coming of our savior, Jesus Christ.

For the kingdom, the power, and glory are yours, now and forever.