Enlightened by Hope - John 1:9-14

The Advent Wreath is a reclamation of God’s creation from pagan ritual by transforming it into a story of living symbols through the truth of Scripture. The evergreen of the wreath symbolizes the imperishable prize of immortality. The thorns of holly and their red berries symbolize Jesus’ crown of thorns and the pouring out of His blood to redeem humanity. The wreath carries seedpods symbolizing the unending life to which Jesus Christ promises to carry believers. The wreath is surrounded by candles which enlighten the various symbols of the wreath without and the Christ candle in the middle which enlightens the symbols within (cf. John 1:9-14).