• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Building Faith

Building Faith

  • HOME
  • ABOUT
    • Who We Are
    • Our Writers
    • Author Guidelines
    • FAQs
    • Subscribe
    • Contact Us
  • ARTICLES
    • Articles by Topic
    • Most Recent Articles
  • EN ESPAÑOL
  • RESOURCES
    • Curriculum Center
    • Intergenerational Resources
    • Vacation Bible School
    • Webinars
    • Episcopal Teacher
  • SUPPORT US
  • Show Search
Hide Search
Home/Advent/The Living Advent Wreath: An Activity for Children

The Living Advent Wreath: An Activity for Children

“There are only two components to creating a Living Advent Wreath – the candle capes and the circular wreath to lay on the floor – and as many ways to use it as you, or your students, can think up!”

Acting Out Advent 

Advent is a time of quiet introspection. But that being said, children in Sunday school will also benefit from some kinesthetic learning. The Living Advent Wreath is an idea from St Mark’s, San Antonio, TX.  It requires some work ahead of time making the costumes, but the results are worth it. Also, the Living Advent Wreath can be used year after year, with a variety of ages and settings. The basic idea is that you have four children pretend to be candles around an Advent wreath.

There are only two components to creating a Living Advent Wreath – the candle capes and the circular wreath to lay on the floor – and as many ways to use it as you, or your students, can think up!

Making the Candle Capes

You will need to create four capes that the children will wear to be candles. These should be simple, and of sizes that can be worn by a variety of children. Match the color of your candle capes to the color of the Advent candles your church uses. Each cape has a yellow cap/hood that will be the flame, as you “light” each candle weekly.

Directions for making a simple, hooded cape can be found online. For example, this site has directions for a simple fabric cape with hood: Cape for Red Riding Hood.

Making the Wreath

Your candles will need to be placed on a ‘wreath.’ Your wreath can be marked out with tape on the floor, or made out of carpet squares or colored paper. If you prefer to make a fabric wreath, you’ll need several yards of fabric. Follow the same directions for the cape, linked above, stopping at the point where you have a round circle of fabric.  Or follow the directions below.

1. Cut your fabric into a perfect square.

2. Fold your square two times, making a smaller square.

3. Place your tape measure at the folded corner of your square and measure down the folded length of the square. Marking at even intervals, rotate your tape measure from one folded edge to the other, ending at the bottom of the opposite edge. When you connect your markings, you should have a quarter-arc marked on your square.

4. Cut along your marking, and when you unfold your square, you will have a perfect circle.

5. Mark and cut a second, interior circle for your wreath.

Using Your Living Advent Wreath

Once you have created the supplies, you can do the living Advent Wreath activity in whatever way will work best for your group. Have groups of four children gather around the wreath, and depending on which Sunday of Advent you are in, “light” the proper number of candles. You can incorporate music, prayers, and an opening and closing liturgy. Think about how you will choose children to be the candles, allowing everyone to have a turn, as they wish.

living wreath2

About the Author

  • Gail Jackins (she/her/hers)

    Gail Jackins grew up in Northern Maine, so her friends refer to her as a Mainiac. She has a B.S. from the University of Maine at Orono and an M.Ed from Boston College. She loves Jello, red Jello is her favorite! Gail is the Parish Administrator at St. Mary's Episcopal Church in Cypress Texas, and lives in Houston.

    View all posts
Print PDF

November 14, 2014 By Gail Jackins (she/her/hers)

Filed Under: Advent, Children & Family, Sunday School Tagged With: Advent, St Marks San Antonio, Sunday School, wreath

About Gail Jackins (she/her/hers)

Gail Jackins grew up in Northern Maine, so her friends refer to her as a Mainiac. She has a B.S. from the University of Maine at Orono and an M.Ed from Boston College. She loves Jello, red Jello is her favorite! Gail is the Parish Administrator at St. Mary's Episcopal Church in Cypress Texas, and lives in Houston.

Primary Sidebar

  • Email
  • Facebook
  • RSS

Subscribe to Building Faith

You’ll get new articles, plus free weekly updates in your inbox.

We respect your privacy. View our privacy policy here.

Search Our Site

New Articles

Two white arrows pointing outward in opposite directions with a vertical white line between them on dark gray pavement

Intergenerational Insights: The Age-and-Stage Ministry Model

This article is part of a series on Intergenerational Formation Insights written after a literature …

Continue Reading about Intergenerational Insights: The Age-and-Stage Ministry Model

"Masthead of 'The Liberator,' January 11, 1861"

Abolitionism, Proslavery Christianity, and Teaching the Fullness of Church History

The Power of a Good Story Luke 24:13–35 is one of my favorite biblical narratives about the …

Continue Reading about Abolitionism, Proslavery Christianity, and Teaching the Fullness of Church History

Close-up of volume level meter with green front lighting against a dark background

Intergenerational Worship: The Sound Factor

If you have been part of a congregation where children are present during worship, you have probably …

Continue Reading about Intergenerational Worship: The Sound Factor

Footer

Keep in Touch

  • Email
  • Facebook

Building Faith

Lifelong Learning, Virginia Theological Seminary
3737 Seminary Rd.
Alexandria, VA 22304

Copyright © 2025 · Building Faith · A Ministry of Virginia Theological Seminary

Design by Blue+Pine Creative, Inc.

Subscribe to Building Faith

Get articles and resources by email

Privacy Policy

We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website.
If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it.

OkPrivacy policy