THe Advent Poem

[Guest guest]

The lighting of the candles, known as the Adventstunde, involves in some homes prayers and a blessing of the Adventskranz, but traditionally families gather around the wreath, a large plate of Weihnachtsplaetzen, some Gluhwein, Pharisaeer, or Kinderpunsch at hand, light the candle and listen to Christmas stories, sing Christmas carols, or recite an old and favourite German Christmas poem.Advent, Advent, ein Lichtlein brennt,Erst eins, dann zwei, dann drei, dann vier,dann steht dan Christkind vor der Tuerwhich loosely translated means:Advent Advent, a little light burns,First one, then two, then three, then four,Then the Christchild stands in front of the door.The candle will be allowed to burn for an hour, or during the evening meal, and large candles for a short time each evening for the following week, to be relit together with a new one the next Sunday.