Set Up and Bless Advent Devotions
Gather your family to set up and bless the traditional Advent devotions that help mark the season with meaningful symbolism and reflection. Each element is rich in significance and invites a deeper engagement with the mystery of Christ’s coming.
The Jesse Tree
The Jesse Tree traces the genealogy of Jesus, starting from Jesse, the father of King David, as prophesied in Isaiah: “A shoot shall sprout from the stump of Jesse.” Decorate the tree with symbols representing key figures and events from salvation history, such as Noah’s ark, Moses’ tablets, and the star of Bethlehem. You can add an ornament each day of Advent while reading the corresponding Scripture passages.
The Advent Wreath
The Advent wreath is a beloved tradition that marks the progression of the four weeks leading to Christmas. It is a circular arrangement of greenery adorned with four candles—three purple and one rose. The greenery symbolizes life and hope in Christ, while the circle represents God’s eternal love and our eternal life in Him. The candles signify the growing light of Christ as we draw nearer to His birth, dispelling the darkness of sin and death.
Each Sunday, a candle is lit in succession:
- First Sunday: Purple, symbolizing Hope.
- Second Sunday: Purple, symbolizing Faith.
- Gaudete Sunday (Third): Rose, symbolizing Joy.
- Fourth Sunday: Purple, symbolizing Love.
The wreath is often placed on a table, family altar, or suspended by ribbons. It can be simple or elaborate, incorporating traditional elements such as pinecones or berries. Families can choose candles that are tapers, votives, or pillars, either colored or white in colored holders.
The lighting of the Advent wreath is traditionally done at dinnertime or during family prayer. As each week passes, the light grows stronger, symbolizing the increasing anticipation for Christ’s birth and His second coming. The prayers and Scripture readings for each Sunday reflect on the history of salvation and invite reflection on Christ’s promises.
On Christmas Eve, the Advent wreath is replaced with a single white “Christ candle,” symbolizing Christ, the Light of the World. Families can keep the Christ candle lit throughout the Christmas season until Epiphany or Candlemas, based on their traditions.
Here is the complete ritual, including prayers and Scripture readings, to guide your family through the weeks of Advent.
Day Before Advent: Blessing of the Wreath
“O God, by whose word all things are sanctified, pour forth Thy blessing upon this wreath, and grant that we who use it may prepare our hearts for the coming of Christ and may receive from Thee abundant graces. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.”
First Sunday of Advent
As the first candle is lit by mother, father can read and pray the following:
Scripture Reading: (John 1:1-5; Psalm 49:2-5, 71:2-8, 8-15)
- “In the beginning was the Word: and the Word was with God: and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by him: and without him was made nothing that was made. In him was life: and the life was the light of men. And the light shineth in darkness: and the darkness did not comprehend it.”
Blessing:
“Stir up Thy power, we beseech Thee, O Lord, and come: that from the threatening dangers of our sins we may deserve to be rescued by Thy protection, and to be saved by Thy deliverance. Who livest and reignest, with God the Father, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, world without end. Amen.”d
Second Sunday of Advent
As the first and second candles are lit by mother, father can read and pray the following:
Scripture Reading: (Isaias 11:1-10)
- “And there shall come forth a rod out of the root of Jesse, and a flower shall rise up out of his root. And the spirit of the Lord shall rest upon him: the spirit of wisdom, and of understanding, the spirit of counsel, and of fortitude, the spirit of knowledge, and of godliness. And he shall be filled with the spirit of the fear of the Lord.”
Blessing:
“Stir up our hearts, O Lord, to prepare the way of Thine only-begotten Son: that through His coming we may attain to serve Thee with purified minds. Who livest and reignest, with God the Father, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, world without end. Amen.”
Third Sunday of Advent (Gaudete Sunday)
As the first, second, and third candles (rose) are lit by mother, father can read and pray the following:
Scripture Reading: (Isaias 9:2, 6-7; 52:7)
- “The people that walked in darkness, have seen a great light: to them that dwelt in the region of the shadow of death, light is risen. For a CHILD IS BORN to us, and a son is given to us, and the government is upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, God the Mighty, the Father of the world to come, the Prince of Peace.”
Blessing:
“Incline Thine ear, we beseech Thee, O Lord, to our petitions: and, by the grace of Thy visitation, enlighten the darkness of our minds. Who livest and reignest, with God the Father, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, world without end. Amen.”
Fourth Sunday of Advent
As the first, second, third, and fourth candles are lit by mother, father can read and pray the following:
Scripture Reading: (Luke 1:24-33, 2:1-6)
- “And in the sixth month, the angel Gabriel was sent from God into a city of Galilee, called Nazareth, to a virgin espoused to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David: and the virgin’s name was Mary. And the angel being come in, said unto her: Hail, full of grace, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women.”
Blessing:
“O Lord, we beseech Thee, stir up Thy power, and come, and with great might succor us: that by the help of Thy grace that which is hindered by our sins may be hastened by Thy merciful forgiveness: Who livest and reignest, with God the Father, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, world without end. Amen.”
The Advent Calendar
The Advent calendar counts down the days until Christmas, often with small doors or pockets revealing Scripture verses, prayers, or small treats. Use it to build excitement, especially for children, while keeping the focus on Christ’s coming. Consider including acts of kindness or sacrifices to prepare spiritually for Christmas.
The Nativity Scene
Set up your Nativity scene as a visual and prayerful centerpiece of your home. Begin with the stable and figures like Mary, Joseph, animals, and the shepherds, but leave the manger empty until Christmas Eve, symbolizing the anticipation of Christ’s birth.
Place the Magi (wise men) at a distance, symbolizing their journey from the East. They should not arrive at the manger until Epiphany (January 6), but move them closer each day, starting on Christmas Day, to highlight their gradual journey guided by the star.
Another nice tradition is to keep straw for the manger in a nearby container. Throughout December, when children and adults make a good sacrifice with the spirit of charity, they can add a piece of straw to the manger. By Christmas morning, the Christ child will have a nice and cozy bed.
Try the “Christkindl” Custom
Encourage family members to draw names secretly and do acts of kindness for their “Christkindl” (Christ child) throughout the season. This custom fosters a spirit of generosity and service in preparation for Christmas. This could be combined with the devotion of adding straw to the manger for good deeds.
Prepare for Christmas Symbolically
Advent offers a beautiful way to prepare for Christmas with meaningful, symbolic actions that reflect the themes of hope, faith, joy, and love. Here are detailed instructions for each Sunday tradition to deepen your spiritual preparation while engaging the whole family.
First Sunday: Bless Cherry Branches for St. Barbara’s Feast (Dec. 4)
Symbolism: The blooming of cherry branches by Christmas symbolizes hope and the fulfillment of Christ’s promises.
- Gather the Branches: On or near the First Sunday of Advent, cut a few cherry branches (or any blooming tree, such as forsythia or apple, if cherries are unavailable). These should have several buds.
- Place in Water: Submerge the branches in lukewarm water overnight to encourage blooming.
- Blessing: Recite a blessing together as a family, such as:
“May these branches remind us of Christ’s coming and bloom with the hope of His promises. Through the intercession of St. Barbara, may we grow in faith and love as we prepare our hearts for Christmas.” - Care Instructions: Change the water every few days and keep the branches in a warm, sunny spot. By Christmas, the branches should flower. Display them near your Nativity scene or Advent wreath.
Second Sunday: Make Baker’s Clay Ornaments
Symbolism: These ornaments represent the work of our hands offered to Christ and remind us to make room in our hearts for Him.
Ingredients for Baker’s Clay:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup salt
- 1 cup water (add slowly)
- Optional: Food coloring, glitter, or paint for decoration.
Instructions:
- Prepare the Dough: Mix the flour and salt in a bowl, then gradually add water until it forms a stiff dough. Knead until smooth (about 5 minutes).
- Create Ornaments: Roll out the dough and use cookie cutters (stars, angels, hearts, etc.) to shape ornaments. Use a straw to poke a hole at the top of each for hanging.
- Bake: Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake at 250°F (120°C) for 1-2 hours, or until dry and hard. Let cool completely.
- Decorate: Paint the ornaments, add glitter, or leave them natural. Add a ribbon or twine for hanging.
- Use: Save the ornaments to decorate your Christmas tree on Gaudete Sunday.
Gaudete Sunday: Set Up the Christmas Tree
Symbolism: The tree represents eternal life, and the three gold ornaments honor the gifts of the Magi and the generosity of St. Nicholas.
- Choose a Tree: Whether real or artificial, select a tree and place it in your home without adding lights or other decorations (yet).
- Bless the Tree: Say a prayer as a family, such as:
“Lord, bless this tree, a symbol of eternal life. May it remind us of the joy and hope found in Christ’s birth. Through the intercession of St. Nicholas, may we give generously to others this season.” - Gold Ornaments: Hang three gold-colored ornaments to symbolize the gifts of the Magi: gold, frankincense, and myrrh. These also honor the generosity of St. Nicholas.
- Add Decorations Later: Leave the tree otherwise bare until closer to Christmas to reflect the anticipation of Christ’s arrival.
Fourth Sunday: Bake Christmas Cookies and Prepare Festive Foods
Symbolism: Baking and preparing food reflects the joy and generosity of the Christmas season, sharing Christ’s love with others. Select cookies that are simple yet symbolic, such as gingerbread men (representing humanity redeemed by Christ) or star-shaped sugar cookies (symbolizing the Star of Bethlehem).
Gingerbread Recipe:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 2 tsp ground ginger
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp cloves
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 3/4 cup butter
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup molasses
- 1 egg
Instructions:
- Combine dry ingredients in one bowl and cream butter, sugar, and molasses in another.
- Add egg to wet mixture, then gradually incorporate dry ingredients.
- Roll out the dough, cut shapes, and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 8-10 minutes. Decorate as desired.
- Prepare Food: Begin cooking traditional Christmas dishes or family recipes to ease the workload on Christmas Eve and Day. This can include baking bread, preparing side dishes, or assembling casseroles to refrigerate or freeze.
- Family Participation: Encourage everyone to take part in baking and meal prep, turning it into a joyful and collaborative effort.
Clean and Decorate the House
Symbolism: A clean and decorated home mirrors the preparation of your soul to welcome Christ.
- Clean Together: Assign tasks to each family member, focusing on decluttering and creating a warm, inviting atmosphere.
- Add Decorations: Bring out additional decorations for Christmas, such as garlands, table centerpieces, or additional Nativity pieces (excluding the Christ child). Keep the focus on beauty and simplicity.
- Pray Together: As you work, pray or play Advent hymns to make the activity a time of joyful anticipation.
By following these traditions, you and your family will celebrate Advent with deep reverence, creativity, and joy, preparing both your home and your hearts for the coming of Christ.
Engage in Spiritual Reading
Throughout Advent, take time as a family to read selections from St. Bernard of Clairvaux’s Sermons on Advent and Christmas. These reflections provide deep spiritual insight into the mystery of the Incarnation.
Incorporate Community and Family Joy
Gaudete Sunday, the third Sunday of Advent, is a time to rejoice as Christmas draws near. Celebrate this day with a joyful potluck gathering of friends and family, sharing food, music, and prayer in the spirit of the season. Invite loved ones to bring dishes inspired by Advent or Christmas traditions. Decorate with simple greenery and candlelight, reflecting the joyful yet reflective nature of the season.
Food Suggestions
- Savory Dishes: Shepherd’s pie, roast root vegetables, or hearty stews.
- Desserts: Pink and white treats like rosewater cookies, cranberry bars, or strawberry shortcake, reflecting the rose color of Gaudete Sunday.
- Beverages: Warm mulled wine or spiced cider.
Advent Hymns for the Gathering
Create a playlist or sing hymns together, focusing on songs that reflect the joy of Advent:
- O Come, O Come, Emmanuel
- Gaudete
- Come, Thou Long Expected Jesus
- Hark! A Thrilling Voice is Sounding
- On Jordan’s Bank
Activities for Community Joy
- Prayer and Scripture: Light the rose candle of the Advent wreath and read passages such as Philippians 4:4-7.
- Ornament-Making: Set up a station for crafting simple decorations as keepsakes.
- Gift Drive: Collect small gifts or donations for charity, embodying the generosity of the season.