The Meaning of Advent

Advent is the liturgical season that marks the beginning of the Church's liturgical year. It is a time of preparation and anticipation for the birth of Jesus Christ at Christmas. Advent lasts for four Sundays and the weeks leading up to Christmas, typically beginning on Sunday closest to November 30 (feast of St. Andrew) and ending on Christmas Eve, December 24.

Some churches have an Advent wreath with five candles, one for each of the four Sundays leading up to Christmas Day and one for Christmas Day itself. Each candle corresponds to the four respective Sundays through Advent. Three of the candles will be purple or blue in color, and the other one will be pink. The blue and purple candles represent penitence (hope, peace & love), while the pink candle (joy) refers to the third Sunday of Advent, which is known as Gaudete Sunday.

Advent reminds Christians of the sacred meaning of Christmas and to prepare for the birth of Jesus and to reflect on the second coming of Jesus at the end of time.