12-14-2025 3:24pm

Christians celebrate the Season of Advent

John Williams Editor

Photo by Max Beck in unsplash

Advent is a season of anticipation and preparation observed in many Christian churches during the four weeks leading up to Christmas. The word "advent" comes from the Latin adventus, meaning "coming" or "arrival". The season commemorates the first coming of Jesus Christ as an infant.

Advent begins on the fourth Sunday before Christmas Day (the Sunday nearest November 30) and marks the start of the new liturgical year in Western Christianity.

Key Themes and TraditionsThe season is a time for spiritual reflection, prayer, and renewal, often incorporating special traditions. Common themes explored each week include hope, peace, joy, and love.

Advent WreathA circular wreath made of evergreen branches (symbolizing everlasting life and God's unending love) holds four candles, traditionally three purple and one rose-colored. One candle is lit each Sunday, with the rose candle lit on the third Sunday (GaudeteSunday) as a sign of rejoicing. Some traditions include a fifth, white "Christ candle" in the center, lit on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day.
- Advent Calendar: A popular custom (often secularized with chocolate or small gifts) that counts down the days until Christmas, typically starting from December 1st.
- Liturgical Colors: The primary color for Advent vestments and church decorations is violet or purple, representing penance and preparation, with rose used on Gaudete Sunday.
- Practices: Observances include daily devotionals, Scripture readings (particularly from the prophet Isaiah), fasting (in some traditions), acts of charity, and singing Advent carols like "O Come, O Come, Emmanuel".
  Advent is a season of "devout and expectant delight" that helps people prepare their hearts and minds for the significance of Jesus' birth amidst the often-hectic modern holiday season.