A wreath is symbolic of a crown. In times past, crowns were given for prizes. They were made of leaves and were given to shown honor and glory. With our advent wreath we give honor and glory to Jesus who alone is worthy, for He brought victory over sin and death. We also are reminded of the crown of thorns which he wore in his suffering and death.
The branches woven into this wreath are from an evergreen tree which reminds us of the eternal nature of the gift of life which is ours in Christ. We are also to remember the everlastingness of God as these branches are formed into a circle, which has no beginning and has no end, like our God.
The pinecones that are from these evergreen trees, are more than ornaments. Within them new seed is found. The mighty wind, which blows them down, will scatter those seeds to provide new life. It is a symbol for you and I, for the seed of Christ is planted in us and the Spirit propels us to sow the seed of the gospel.
As we prepare for Christmas our attention is drawn to this wreath. We wait for the coming birth of the Christ Child with eager longing and count the weeks. Each week we light a candle. The ever-increasing light is a visual sign that our Lord Jesus is the Light of the World. As Jesus said: “I have come as light into the world, so that everyone who believes in me should not remain in the darkness.” (John 12: 46)