The Advent Wreath at Home: A Catholic Family Guide
An Advent wreath is a ring of evergreens holding four candles, one lit for each Sunday of Advent. In a Catholic home it becomes a small weekly liturgy: the family gathers, lights the candles for that week, reads the Gospel and prays. In 2026, Advent begins on Sunday, November 29.
Where the Advent wreath comes from
The wreath as we know it grew out of 19th-century Germany. The Lutheran pastor Johann Hinrich Wichern is usually credited with the first one, a cartwheel of candles he used to help the children in his care count down to Christmas. The idea spread, the candles dropped to four, and by the 20th century Catholic families and parishes had taken it up as well.
It was never part of the official liturgy of the Mass, but the Church blesses it, and it fits the season well. Advent is about waiting in hope, and a light that grows a little each week makes that waiting visible to everyone at the table, including small children.
What the wreath means
- The circle has no beginning or end, like the eternal love of God.
- The evergreens stay green through winter, a sign of life that does not fade.
- Three purple candles match the violet vestments of Advent, the color of preparation and penance.
- One rose candle is lit on the Third Sunday, Gaudete Sunday, when the Church rejoices because Christmas is near.
- A white candle in the center is optional. Some families add it on Christmas Eve for Christ, the light of the world.
Many families also give each week a theme, often hope, peace, joy and love. These themes are a popular custom rather than an official teaching, but they give children something simple to talk about.
How to set up an Advent wreath at home
- Choose a base. A simple ring of fresh or artificial greenery works. Set it on a heat-safe tray.
- Place the candles. Three purple and one rose, spaced evenly. Taper candles in holders or pillar candles on small candlesticks both work.
- Put it where you eat. The kitchen or dining table is best, because Advent prayer fits naturally before or after a family meal.
- Bless it on the first night. A parent can lead a short blessing, or ask your priest to bless it after Mass.
- Keep safety simple. Never leave lit candles unattended, and let children light them only with an adult beside them.
Praying with the wreath each Sunday
Light the candles in the same order each week, so the circle fills in turn: one on the first Sunday, two on the second, then the rose candle with them on the third, and all four on the fourth. For 2026, the Sundays and their Gospels are:
- November 29, First Sunday: Mark 13:33–37. Stay awake and watch.
- December 6, Second Sunday: Mark 1:1–8. John the Baptist prepares the way.
- December 13, Third Sunday (Gaudete): John 1:6–8, 19–28. John testifies to the light.
- December 20, Fourth Sunday: Luke 1:26–38. The angel comes to Mary.
A simple pattern works well: light the candles, read the Gospel, pause for a moment of quiet, offer a short prayer in your own words, and end together with "Come, Lord Jesus." Five minutes is enough. What matters is coming back to it each week.
Adding incense to Advent prayer
Incense has belonged to Christian prayer since the earliest centuries. Psalm 141 asks that our prayer rise like incense before God, and many families like to burn a few grains of resin during Sunday wreath prayer. A small amount of pure frankincense on a lit charcoal tablet is enough for a room. If you have not used resin before, our guide on how to burn frankincense resin covers the basics.
December 12, the feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe, falls in the middle of Advent, and the Magi's gifts point ahead to Epiphany on January 3, 2027.
Incense for the Advent season
Pure olibanum for weekly prayer, a Marian blend for December 12, or the Magi kit for Christmas and Epiphany.
Pure resin
Olibanum Lacrima Christi
Pure frankincense from Dhofar, Oman. Bright, lemony and clean.
From $4.96
Choose a size
For December 12
Our Lady of Guadalupe
A restrained Marian blend at 3/5 intensity for her feast day.
From $4.96
Choose a size
Kit
Three Wise Men Kit
Olibanum, myrrh, a golden ceramic burner, 6 charcoal tablets and tongs.
$33.90
See the kit
Keeping the wreath going through the week
Sunday is the anchor, but many families light the week's candles at dinner every night. A short daily reading from the Mass of the day keeps the season in view without adding much to a busy evening. Children can take turns lighting the candles (with help) or reading the Gospel. On the Third Sunday, let the youngest light the rose candle, since it is the candle of joy.
Frequently asked questions
When do you light the Advent wreath?
Traditionally on Saturday evening or Sunday of each week of Advent, and often every night at dinner. In 2026 the First Sunday of Advent is November 29.
Why is one candle pink?
The rose candle marks Gaudete Sunday, the Third Sunday of Advent. Gaudete means rejoice, and the lighter color signals that Christmas is close.
Can a layperson bless the Advent wreath?
Yes. A parent can lead a family blessing at home. You can also ask a priest to bless it.
What happens to the wreath at Christmas?
Many families replace the purple and rose candles with white ones, or add a white Christ candle in the center, and keep the wreath through the Christmas season.
How much incense should I use at home?
A few grains of resin, about the size of a pea in total, on a lit charcoal tablet is plenty for an ordinary room. Open a window if the room is small.
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Bring the Magi's gifts to your table
The Three Wise Men kit holds olibanum, myrrh and a golden ceramic burner, so your family can offer the same gifts brought to Bethlehem.
Milagros incense is made in Aparecida, Brazil. Every order ships from Florida.