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His dominion is vast and forever peaceful, From David's throne, and over his kingdom, which he confirms and sustains. They name him Wonder-Counselor, God-Hero, Father-Forever, Prince of Peace. For a child is born to us, a son is given us upon his shoulder dominion rests. You have brought them abundant joy and great rejoicing, As they rejoice before you as at the harvest, as men make merry when dividing spoils. The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light Upon those who dwelt in the land of gloom a light has shone. The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light. The candles of this wreath remind us that Jesus Christ came to conquer the darkness of sin and to lead us into the light of his glorious kingdom.ĩ39 A reader, another person present, or the minister reads a text of sacred Scripture.īrothers and sisters, listen to the words of the prophet Isaiah: 9:1-2, 5-6 My brothers and sisters, today we begin the season of Advent we open our hearts to God's love as we prepare to welcome Christ into our lives and homes. Let us praise God, who enlightens every heart, now and for ever.ĩ38 in the following or similar words, the minister prepares those present for the blessing. In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy SpiritĪll make the sign of the cross and reply:ĩ37 A lay minister greets those present in the following words: ORDER OF BLESSING OF THE WREATH WITHIN A CELEBRATION OF THE WORD OF GODĩ34 The present order may be used by a priest or a deacon, and also by a layperson, who follows the rites and prayers designated for a lay minister.ĩ35 When the community has gathered, the minister says: The lighting of the Advent Wreath may fittingly be included as a part of the evening meal.ĩ33 The Advent Wreath may be blessed by a priest, deacon, or a lay minister. The lighting of the candles may be preceded or followed by an Advent hymn and a Scripture reading. The rose candle is lighted on the Third Sunday of Advent, also known as Gaudete Sunday.ĩ31 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.ĩ32 When the Advent Wreath is used in the home, the opening prayer of the Sunday Mass is recited when the candles are lighted. However, four violet or white candles may also be used.ĩ30 The candles represent the four weeks of Advent and the number of candles lighted each week corresponds to the number of the current week of Advent. According to tradition, three of the candles are violet and the fourth is rose. 1517-1520), a celebration of the word of God, or Evening Prayer.ĩ29 Customarily the Advent Wreath is constructed of a circle of evergreen branches into which are inserted four candles. The blessing may be celebrated during Mass (see complete edition, nos. The blessing of an Advent Wreath takes place on the First Sunday of Advent or on the evening before the First Sunday of Advent. ORDER FOR THE BLESSING OF AN ADVENT WREATHĩ28 The use of the Advent Wreath is a traditional practice which has found its place in the church as well as in the home.
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(The following texts give only those elements applicable to a lay celebration)