Source: International Mission Board, December 10, 2018
Johann Hinrich Wichern (1808-1881) was eager to find a way to spread God’s message among the people in Hamburg. He worked as a missionary among the poor. In 1833, he founded a school called Rauhes Haus (“Rough House”) to redeem and serve neglected children and orphans by feeding, housing, and educating them.
To help contain the children’s excitement leading up to December 25, he created the first Advent wreath. The first wreath had 24 candles. The four largest candles indicated the Sundays of Advent. During daily prayer, a child lit a candle each day up until Christmas Eve when all the candles were finally illuminated.
Many Germans today simply enjoy Advent wreaths as centerpieces on their table. Although the tradition was born in their country, they may be unaware of the symbolic meaning the wreath holds.
» Read full story. It includes more on historic and contemporary Christianity and Christmas practices in Germany.
» Then read A Look at Christianity in Post-evangelized Germany (Missions Network News).