What is the Advent season?

What is Advent?

Advent is a time of preparation directing Christian hearts and minds toward remembering the birth of Christ, and for most traditions, Christ’s second coming.

When does Advent begin?

Advent Season begins on the first Sunday in December and continues throughout the month culminating in the celebration of Christmas.

What’s the Meaning of Advent?

Advent is the period of anticipation, preparation, and reflection as we ponder the miracle of Christ’s birth at Christmas.

Each Sunday of Advent and the weeks that follow offer a theme – specifically hope, peace, joy, and love. Within worship service, scripture readings and the lighting of candles move our focus to that week’s theme for meditation and reflection. Advent reminds us to reflect and to quiet ourselves with intention. In the same way, we can continue our focus on the week’s theme throughout each week by setting intentions, engaging in meditations, and directing our prayers, as well as taking active steps to offer hope, peace, joy and love to others. Engaging others might come in the form of purchasing food and gifts for families in need (many charity organizations have “Adopt-a-Family” programs at the holidays) or we can give to food banks or pray for and offer compassion to others. The point is to intentionally engage in the theme each week during the Advent season. Advent reminds us to be grateful for the awe inspiring event of the birth of Christ, that God came to be with us, and the miracle of God’s love and grace.

First Sunday of Advent: Hope

During Advent many Christians anticipate Christ’s birth and Christ’s second coming, both sources of hope and meaning.

For more about hope:

Second Sunday of Advent: Peace

During the second week of advent we meditate on Christ’s promise that he will give us peace.

For more about peace:

Third Sunday of Advent: Joy

During the third week of Advent we meditate on our sources of joy.

For more about joy:

Fourth Sunday of Advent: Love

The fourth week of Advent we meditate on God’s love for us and what that means for how we should live.

For more about love:

The Symbols of Advent

Why is there an Advent wreath?

The wreath’s circular shape represents God’s infinite love, and the evergreen leaves symbolize the hope of eternal life.

Why are Advent candles purple?

Purple is the liturgical color that represents a time of prayer, penance, and sacrifice.

What does the pink candle of Advent represent?

The pink candle is the “Shepherd’s Candle” and it represents joy through the announcement of Christ’s birth to the shepherds.

What does the white Advent candle represent?

The white candle in the middle of an Advent wreath, or the “Christ Candle,” represents the life of Christ and His purity exemplified by His life. We light it on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day to represent Christ being with us.

Short History of Advent

According to historical records, the Christian church began celebrating Advent in the fifth century with the earliest evidence coming from areas in Europe where it was observed as a period of preparation for the feast of Epiphany, starting on St. Martin’s Day (November 11th).

Who celebrates Advent?

Advent is a season in the Christian liturgical calendar and is celebrated by many denominations, including Anglicans, Episcopalians, Lutherans, Roman Catholics, Orthodox Christians, Non-denominational Christians, and Methodists.

Why should you Celebrate Advent?

Advent is an important and powerful ritual that has been practiced for over a century, and practicing it can bring you more hope, peace, joy, and love during the Christmas season and beyond.