Do you remember the scent of candles and the joy of children carrying colorful lanterns to the Rorate Mass ? An Advent lantern is much more than a beautiful decoration illuminating the December darkness. It is a profound symbol of Jesus' parable of the wise virgins awaiting their Bridegroom. Each year, as Advent approaches, little hands proudly hold their handmade lights, creating an unforgettable atmosphere of expectation. Are you looking for a way to better understand this unique tradition? The Advent lantern is one of the most important symbols of Christian anticipation for the coming of Jesus Christ. During the Rorate Mass, this small light not only chases away the physical darkness of the church but also symbolizes the fight against evil and sin. Watching the children with their lanterns, you see true joy and engagement in the liturgy. This simple object can strengthen the community of the faithful in a way no other decoration can achieve. For generations, our Polish families have been making these unique lanterns from Bristol board or cardboard, decorating them with Christian symbols. Remember, however, that each Roratni lantern is more than just a piece of handicraft – it is a testimony of faith and living hope.
The symbolism of the Advent lantern 
The light of the Advent lantern symbolizes vigilance and readiness for the coming of the Savior. As the December days grow shorter and darkness falls earlier, the lantern becomes a sign of hope, reminding us that light can always survive even in the darkest of darkness. As in the parable of the wise virgins in Matthew's Gospel (Matthew 25:1-13), the Advent lantern expresses our readiness to illuminate the way for the coming Lord.
A symbol of spiritual readiness and expectation
The Advent lantern is much more than a simple decoration – it is a profound symbol of spiritual readiness and expectation. During the Rorate , or votive Mass of the Blessed Virgin Mary celebrated before sunrise, lanterns serve a practical purpose. They illuminate the first part of the service, when the church is symbolically dark. This contrast between darkness and light reminds the faithful of the coming of Christ, who is the "Light of the World."
What should an Advent lantern look like? 
Traditionally, an Advent lantern takes the form of a square, with walls resembling Gothic stained glass windows depicting Christian symbols or biblical scenes. A candle or a small battery-powered bulb is placed inside to illuminate the entire lantern. Children (and often adults as well) carrying the lanterns in procession to the altar create a moving image of the community of faith.
Lantern - light in the dark
The Advent lantern is a call to every Christian to bring the light of truth into a world filled with darkness. This symbol reminds us that the time of waiting is not just about waiting, but also about actively preparing for an encounter with Jesus. In this way, the simple lantern becomes a tool for spiritual growth for the entire family.
The role of the lantern in the rorate liturgy
Advent lanterns play a key role during the Rorate Mass , creating a unique atmosphere of prayer and expectation. Imagine a church immersed in symbolic darkness, where the only source of light comes from these small lights brought by the faithful. This unique liturgical setting lasts until the singing of "Glory in the Highest"—at which point the church is fully illuminated. During the Rorate Mass, lanterns help participants experience the Advent liturgy more deeply. They directly allude to the Gospel parable of the wise virgins, who awaited the coming of the Bridegroom with lit lamps. The faithful carrying the Rorate lanterns become living witnesses to the light of Christ, which they symbolically carry in their hearts.
Lanterns - a favorite tradition of children
For children in particular, the Rorate lantern is a fascinating element of participation in the liturgy. Young believers proudly display their colorful lights before the altar, inspiring a natural joy and deep engagement. This transforms Rorate from a difficult ceremony to an accessible spiritual experience for the youngest.
The Living Light of Christ
The tradition, however, doesn't end with the liturgy. After the service, the lit lanterns are taken home as a living testimony to the light of Christ . The lanterns for children then become a bridge connecting the church experience with everyday family life, extending the Advent atmosphere within the home.
The lantern as an element of community and family tradition
Making an Advent lantern is a moment that brings families closer together in a way no other activity can achieve. Parents smile as they recall their children beginning preparations as early as November. "Bianka goes to the Rorate Mass with me. Three weeks ago, she asked me if we had tissue paper to make a lantern ," says one mother, her voice brimming with joy. While making lanterns together, you discover how naturally conversations about faith arise. " The lantern or wreath itself aren't the most important thing. We make them together, and this time is an opportunity to talk," shares one father. These moments at the table, with paper and glue, become more precious than the most expensive gifts. Reading the Holy Scriptures in the evening by the glow of a handmade lantern creates a unique atmosphere of Advent anticipation in many homes. Little hands proudly hold the fruit of their work, and parents see how much these moments influence the development of a child's faith. Remember that the process of making a Rorate Mass lantern also develops the practical skills of the youngest. Working with various materials—paper, paints, tissue paper—strengthens children's creativity and self-confidence. Each lantern becomes a unique work of art, which they proudly display during the Roraty mass.
Lanterns for children
They create a unique bridge between the church liturgy and everyday life at home. "The church liturgy extends into the home. We live by tradition so that the faith is transmitted vividly, so that children have something to draw from naturally," emphasizes a mother involved in the Home Church community. In this way, the lantern becomes a tool that helps build lasting foundations of faith in the hearts of the entire family.
Wondering how to introduce this beautiful tradition into your home? An Advent lantern is one of the most precious symbols you can pass on to your children. Its light not only illuminates the December darkness but, above all, reminds us of the need to be vigilant and ready for Christ's coming. Although it may seem like a simple object, remember that each lantern carries a profound spiritual meaning. They make the time of Advent waiting more understandable, especially for the youngest. So cultivate this tradition in your parish and family! Advent lanterns are much more than decoration or a toy for children – they are a living symbol of faith that will help you better experience the time of waiting for the birth of the Savior. Don't delay! Create a lantern with your children that will illuminate your hearts and lead you into the depths of the Advent liturgy.