Advent 2025

St Mary Magdalene Equal to the Apostles Episcopal Church.

Advent Candle Wreath

The Advent candle wreath is a tradition going back centuries and is practiced in many countries. It is comprised of four candles for each week of Advent. Some traditions include a fifth white candle symbolizing the light of Christ and is lit on Christmas Day. Three of the candles are either blue or purple. For week 3 of Advent light, a rose candle is used. It is called the "Gaudete” candle which means rejoice.

Advent Wreath Prayers and ReflectionsUse the time of lighting your home advent wreath as a time to deepen your understanding and appreciation of the Advent season. Make lighting the Advent Wreath a time for meaningful connections and discussions with your loved ones. These prayers add a touch of spirituality and help you all reflect on the season in a more profound way. It's not just about going through the motions—it's about actively engaging and growing together.

Start with the Advent Wreath Blessing

Dear Jesus, as we light the candle(s) on this Advent wreath, may the light of your presence bring joy to our hearts. Bless our family and our friends, and be with all those who are in need this holiday season. Amen.

advent wreath prayers and reflections for each week

Schedule

1st week of advent

Sunday November 30th — Mass and Agape Meal. 11:15 am. Complete Order of Service

2nd week of Advent

Sunday December 7th — Divine Liturgy and Agape Meal. 11:15 am.

3rd Week of Advent

Sunday December 14th — Mass and Agape Meal. 11:10am

4th Week of Advent

Sunday December 21st — Divine Liturgy and Agape Meal. 11:10 am.

christmas week

Wednesday December 24th — Mass of Christmas Eve/Nativity. 4:30 pm.

Thursday December 25th — no service

Saturday December 28th — Mass for Holy Innocence and Agape meal. 11:15am

Recommended references

Books

This is what the six-week journey from the first Sunday in Advent to Epiphany is about. It’s a journey out of secular banality and into the sacred mystery of the Incarnation.

Links

Contemplative Prayer and Reflection

The Gathering Place

 

Advent Giving

St. Mary Magdalene, Equal to the Apostles in partnership with St. Peter & Mary churches will be gathering items in support of the Family Program at The Gathering Place. Items may be brought to the church and deposited in the marked bins each Sunday of Advent. (Dec 1,8,15 & 22). If you would like to contribute financial support in lieu of or in addition to in-kind goods, please contact the Bishop’s Warden, bwarden@smmdenver.org, or the Treasurer, treasurer@smmdenver.org, on how to make those contributions.

Most needed Items

  • Baby and kids:

    • shampoo, conditioner, soap, lotion, toothpaste, toothbrushes

    • baby formula (all brands), wipes, powder, bottles, diaper rash cream

    • baby blankets

    • baby and kids new and used clothes

  • Children’s overnight underwear or underpants (small, medium, large)