By Susan G Mathis
As the days grow shorter and winter’s chill settles in, a small circle of evergreens glows in churches and homes around the world. Its candles—some purple, one pink, and sometimes a single white—are lit week by week, marking a sacred countdown to Christmas. This is the Advent wreath, a beloved symbol of anticipation, reflection, and hope. But behind its quiet beauty lies a rich history that spans centuries and cultures, reminding us that even in the darkest seasons, light always returns.
Historically, Advent was more than a festive countdown; it was a season of repentance, reflection, and renewal. Much like Lent, early Christians used Advent as a time to fast, pray, and prepare their hearts. By the Middle Ages, the Church had formalized the four weeks of Advent, each emphasizing a different theme of preparation: hope, peace, joy, and love.
The Advent wreath as we know it today began in 19th-century Germany, credited to a Lutheran pastor named Johann Hinrich Wichern. He worked with poor children in Hamburg and wanted to teach them about the meaning of Christmas. To help them visualize the waiting period, he created a large wooden wheel adorned with candles—four for the Sundays of Advent and smaller ones for each weekday.
Over time, the idea spread through Protestant and Catholic traditions alike, evolving into the familiar wreath of evergreen branches and four candles—symbols rich with meaning.
The circle of the wreath represents God’s eternal nature—without beginning or end.
In my newest novel, Irish Rose Orphans’ Christmas, seven young women are about to experience a Christmas that will change everything. As they experience Advent and prepare their hearts for a deeper calling, each young woman must face the truth of her past and the hope of her future.
Do you use an Advent Wreath in your home or church? Leave your answer or comments on the post below and join me on the 19th for my next post.
ABOUT IRISH ROSE ORPHANS’ CHRISTMAS:
Seven young women experience their last Christmas together before stepping into lives of service. United by trials and an unbreakable bond, they’ve pledged to remain “forever sisters.” But as the season of parting approaches, buried wounds rise to the surface. When Sister Rose invites the girls to prepare their hearts during Advent for a deeper calling, each young woman must face the truth of her past and the hope of her future. This Christmas, seven orphans will discover that no matter where life leads them, love and faith will go with them.
Susan G Mathis is an international award-winning, multi-published author of stories set in the beautiful Thousand Islands in upstate NY. Susan has been published more than thirty times in full-length novels, novellas, and non-fiction books. She has sixteen in her fiction line. Susan is also a published author of two premarital books, stories in a dozen compilations, and hundreds of published articles. Susan lives in Northern Virginia and enjoys traveling the world. Visit www.SusanGMathis.com/fiction for more.
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