Advent Resources

About the Advent Wreath

During the season of Advent, you have often seen a wreath with four candles and you know that a candle is lit each week. But do you know the history of this practice and what each element of the wreath symbolizes? 

The Blessing of an Advent Wreath

The Advent Wreath is a traditional symbol which has found its place in the Church as well as in the 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. 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.

About the Jesse Tree

The tree of Jesse was a common subject in medieval and early Renaissance art. It depicts the royal genealogy of Christ, traced from from Jesse, the father of David. The image of the tree was taken from Isaiah 11:1, “But a shoot shall sprout from the stump of Jesse and from his roots a bud shall blossom.” The shoot has been interpreted as the Blessed Virgin Mary and the blossom as her Son, Jesus Christ. Families can create their own Jesse Tree using Old Testament and New Testament symbols.

O Antiphons (December 17-24)

Since the eighth century, the Church has used the O Antiphons from December 17 to December 23. They precede and follow the Magnificat at Evening Prayer (Vespers) and they also serve as the Gospel Acclamation at Mass on those dates.  The opening phrase employs ancient Biblical images and the imperative “come” repeatedly expresses longing for the coming of the Messiah.