During his dried flower arranging workshop, Jim Bliek of Trinity Church in Columbus, created a personalized Advent wreath. To start, he took Trinitys paschal candle stand, with candelabrum attached, and placed a circular piece of Plexiglas, about 30 in diameter, within the outer rim, forming a tray to hold a wreath in place.
Bliek uses small plastic lids, such as bobeches, to prevent wax from dripping, and followers, which he coats with petroleum jelly. He then secures low boxes with floral foam to the spokes of the center candle holder. With the greenery base established, the dried arrangement part of his presentation became apparent.
The Wreath itself symbolizes Gods unending love for his people, Bliek said as he added all sorts of symbolic bits, which he described as the wreath began to take shape.
Evergreens, such as Holly the crown of thorns
Boxwood or Fir the everlasting quality of God
Straw the Nativity of Our Lord
Pomanders (apples studded with cloves and cinnamon) or Apple original sin
Cloves and Cinnamon the death and burial of Jesus
A curl of dried Orange Peel the bitter gall of the Crucifixion
English Ivy and Heather from the Trinity Church garden recognition of their communion with Great Britain and the Anglican Church
Grapevine and Wheat the bread and wine of the Eucharist
Pine Cones the Resurrection and the breaking forth from the tomb
Blue Hydrangeas, which remain blue if dried on the original plant, and Royal Blue Candles the Kingship of Christ
As a finishing touch, Bliek adds two Royal Blue and Gold Ribbons, laid in an X and looped around the circle to hang down in four points. Finally put into place was the white Christ Candle, the Light of the World, placed in center of the wreath on Christmas Eve.
