The Meaning of the Advent Wreath

Yesterday was the first day of advent, so last night as we gathered around the table for dinner, we blessed our advent wreath and lit the first candle.

Blessing of the advent wreath
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

Here is a short 2 minute video describing the symbolism of the Advent wreath: