Blessing the Advent Wreath at 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.

1514 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.

1515 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.

1516 The Advent Wreath may be blessed by a priest, deacon, or a lay minister. 

1. Make the Sign of the Cross:

All make the Sign of the Cross. The leader begins:
Our help is in the name of the Lord.

2.Pray the Responsory:

All respond:
Who made heaven and earth.

The leader may use these or similar words to introduce the blessing:
In the short days and long nights of Advent, we realize how we are always needing salvation by our God. Around this wreath, we shall remember God's promise.

3.Read Isaiah

Then the Scripture is read:
Listen to the words of the prophet Isaiah:  9:1-2

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.

The reader concludes: The word of the Lord.

All respond: Thanks be to God.

After a time of silence, all join in prayers of intercession and in the Lord's Prayer:
Our Father.

4. Pray the Prayer of Blessing:

Then the leader invites:
Let us now pray for God's blessing upon us and upon this wreath.

After a short silence, the leader prays:

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

R. Amen.

5. Sprinkle the Advent Wreath With Holy Water

6. Pray the Advent Wreath Prayer for the First Week and Light the First Candle

The blessing may conclude with a verse from “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel”

O come, desire of nations, bind in one the hearts of humankind;

bid ev’ry sad division cease and be thyself our Prince of peace.

Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel shall come to thee, O Israel.

7. End With the Sign of the Cross