A circle of living green
The circle suggests God’s love without end; evergreens suggest life that endures through winter. These are devotional meanings, not requirements about a particular plant or design. A simple ring with four secure holders is enough.
Hope, peace, joy and love are popular names for the candles. They can help a family talk about Advent, but they are not an official rule of the Church. The weeks and the rose candle on the third Sunday are the basic pattern.
Blessing the wreath
The Church’s Book of Blessings includes an order for blessing an Advent wreath. A priest or deacon can bless it; the order also allows a lay leader, such as a parent, to lead a blessing at home using the appropriate form. Ask your parish or use the USCCB’s published order.
The prayers below are original family prayers, not quotations from the Book of Blessings. Our existing wreath article has fuller background and assembly guidance.
Make it and pray together
Prepare a safe base
Set four stable candle holders on a heat-resistant base. Add greenery away from the flames. Battery-operated candles are a good choice around small children; never leave a burning wreath unattended.
Arrange the candles
Place three violet candles and one rose candle around the circle. The rose candle is for the third Sunday; there is no required compass direction or clockwise starting point.
Begin each new week
Light one violet candle in week one, two violet candles in week two, those two plus rose in week three, and all four in week four.
Pray at dinner
Before the meal, light the week’s candles, make the Sign of the Cross and say the family prayer for that week. Finish with grace before meals, then extinguish candles safely when you leave the table.
Four original family prayers
Week 1 · November 29, 2026
One violet candle
Lord Jesus, awaken our hearts to your coming. Help us notice those who need our kindness, and teach our family to wait with trust. Amen.
Week 2 · December 6, 2026
Two violet candles
God of mercy, clear a path for your Son in our home. Give us courage to ask forgiveness, patience to listen, and willing hands to serve. Amen.
Week 3 · December 13, 2026
Two violet candles and the rose candle
Jesus, our joy, be close to everyone who feels forgotten. Let our gratitude become generosity, and let your light make room for hope at this table. Amen.
Week 4 · December 20, 2026
All four candles
Father, as Christmas draws near, help us welcome your Son as Mary and Joseph did. Make our home a place of peace, and our love a shelter for others. Amen.
Frequently asked questions
Which Advent candle is lit first?
Begin with a violet candle. In the second week light two violet candles; add the rose candle in the third week and the final violet candle in the fourth.
Does the rose candle mean the third week?
Yes. Light it on the Third Sunday of Advent, Gaudete Sunday, together with the first two violet candles.
Are hope, peace, joy and love the official candle names?
No. Those names are a popular devotional custom, not an official rule for the candles.
Can a parent lead a wreath blessing?
Yes. The Church’s order provides for a lay leader at home using the appropriate form. A priest or deacon can also bless the wreath.