The Advent wreath is a powerful tradition that invites us to reflect on Christ’s birth and look forward to his second coming. The circle of the wreath symbolizes the eternal life that Jesus offers to all who believe. The candles represent the significance behind each week of Advent (hope, peace, joy and love) and the light Christ has brought into our weary world.
As you journey through the Advent season, help your children or students make their own Advent wreath using the instructions below. As you “light” the candles each Sunday, it will provide the perfect opportunity to share why Christ came and why we eagerly anticipate his return.
Please enjoy this fun and meaningful Christmas activity — and see the end of this blog to find the next steps on how you can shine Christ’s light in the world!
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 Advent wreath reminds us that Jesus came to be a light in the darkness, and today, his light shines through you and me! As we reflect on the many blessings that Christ has brought into our lives, we cannot help but want to share those blessings with our families, friends, neighbors — and the poor around the world who urgently need our help.
Consider, for example, the children in developing countries who do not expect a single present this year. Their families often struggle just to afford food and other essentials, so they have grown accustomed to not receiving any special gifts for Christmas.
Now imagine these children’s joyful surprise upon receiving a wonderful present from you — possibly the first Christmas gift anyone has ever given them!
Through our Christmas Catalog, you can send a Box of Joy® and many other life-transforming gifts to help children in need. Share the hope, peace, joy and love of Christmas by shining Christ’s light on the poor this year.
Box of Joy is a registered trademark of Cross Catholic Outreach.
Originally published September 2024. Last updated June 2026.
Donations from this campaign will be used to cover any expenditures for this project incurred through June 30, 2027, the close of our ministry’s fiscal year. In the event that more funds are raised than needed to fully fund the project, the excess funds, if any, will be used to meet the most urgent needs of the ministry.
