What is Advent?

Advent season focuses on expectation and think

that it serves as an anticipation of Christ’s birth
in the season leading up to Christmas. This is
part of the story, but there’s more to Advent.
The word “Advent” is derived from the Latin
word adventus, meaning “coming,”
The advent season is about preparing our
hearts, minds, and spirits for the coming of the
King. But what does this really mean?
Advent means “coming”. It has a two-fold
character: as a season to prepare for
 Christmas when Christ’s first coming to us is
remembered, and as a season when that
remembrance directs our minds and hearts to
await Christ’s coming at the end of time.
Advent, thus, is a period of devout and joyful
expectation.
During this season of preparation, Christians
would spend 40 days in penance, prayer, and
fasting to prepare for this celebration; originally,
there was little connection between Advent and
Christmas.
Advent 2020 begins on Sunday, November
29th, and ends on Thursday, December 24.
Advent Wreath and
Candles

Wreath- the circular shape of the wreath

reminds us that God is eternal. That is, he
has no beginning and will live forever. It
also tells us that God’s love for us is so great
that it goes on and on. His love will never
come to an end.
• The Four Candles together on the Advent Wreath
symbolize Jesus being born as the light of the world. The
first purple candle is the prophet’s candle, and it
symbolizes hope. The second purple candle is the
Bethlehem candle. It represents Christ’s manger and
symbolizes love. The third candle is rose/ pink and it is
called the shepherd’s candle.
The shepherd’s candle symbolizes joy. The fourth
candle is purple and is called the Angel’s candle. It
symbolizes peace.
The final candle is white and it is lit on Christmas
Eve. The white candle symbolizes Christ who has
come into the world to save it from its sins.