Advent
The four weeks leading up to Christmas; during this period, Christians anticipate the story of the Nativity. is the period leading up to Christmas. It starts on the Sunday nearest to 30 November and ends on the fourth Sunday before 25 December. The word 'Advent' means 'coming'. It is a time of preparation for the celebration of the birth of The central figure of Christian history and devotion. The second person of the Trinity..
Many Advent customs involve counting the days until Christmas begins, such as the secular use of a chocolate advent calendar. There are different readings on each of the four Sundays leading up to Christmas Day, with each Sunday having a different theme and focus.
Catholic churches will have an advent An arrangement of flowers in a ring, often laid at funerals or to remember the deceased. with five candles, one for each of the four Sundays leading up to Generally the 25th December when the birth of Jesus is celebrated. and one for Christmas Day itself.
Advent wreath
The advent wreath is made up of:
- three purple candles
- one pink candle
- one white candle
The three purple candles will be lit on the first, second and fourth Sunday of Advent.
The pink candle will be lit on the third Sunday of Advent, known as Gaudete Sunday. Gaudete means ‘to rejoice’ and the readings on this Sunday focus on joy – rejoicing in the Lord and joy in what is to come.
The white candle is lit on Christmas day. It symbolises the birth of Christ and the change in the colour of the season.
Purple is the A form of religious worship. colour used during Advent in the UK. The colour is often used for:
- church decorations
- the priest’s vestments
- the tabernacle
On Gaudete Sunday, the priest may wear rose colour vestments which match the pink candle on the Advent wreath.
What Advent means for Christians today
Advent reminds Christians of the Holy, related to God. Connected to a religious purpose. meaning of Christmas, it is a time of The idea that people should make up after an argument and be restored in their relationship. and preparation. Catholics may take the time to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation as a way of preparing themselves for Christmas. Charity works are also carried out during this season, helping those in need. Catholics may also attend A Christian service consisting of songs about Christmas. as part of Advent.
One important aspect of Advent in the Catholic Church, especially before 16 December, is to prepare for the The Christian belief that at the end of time Jesus Christ will come again in judgment. of Christ in judgement at the end of time.
