Advent 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 Jesus.
Why is Advent important to the Catholic Church?
Advent reminds Christians of the sacred meaning of Christmas. Despite the secular preparations taking place, eg buying presents and going to parties, Advent reminds Christians to remember and prepare for the birth of Jesus.
What do the 4 candles of Advent represent?
The four Sundays preceding Christmas, which is when Christians celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, are recognized for four virtues. The candles on the Advent wreath symbolize hope, love, joy and peace. The candles are lit in that order, beginning today.
What are the 4 themes of Advent Catholic?
The four traditional advent themes for the four advent Sundays are:
- God's people -The Candle of Hope. Hope is like a light shining in a dark place. …
- The old testament prophets – The Candle of Peace. …
- John the Baptist – The Candle of Love. …
- Mary the mother of Jesus – The Candle of Joy.
Is Advent Only a Catholic thing?
Advent is primarily observed in Christian churches that follow an ecclesiastical calendar of liturgical seasons to determine feasts, memorials, fasts and holy days. These denominations include Catholic, Orthodox, Anglican / Episcopalian, Lutheran, Methodist, and Presbyterian churches.
Why is Advent so special?
The Advent season invites us to step away from what can be a frenzied time of parties and shopping to consider how we commemorate the birth of Jesus, one of the holiest times in Christian faith. It is also a time to reflect on the triumphant return of Jesus at the second coming.
Why is 1 pink and 3 purple?
Three candles are purple and one is rose or pink. The first candle represents hope. The second candle peace. The pink candle, generally lit on the third Sunday of Advent, represents joy.
What is the correct order of Advent candles?
Lighting the Advent Candles The candles are placed in order with the single color candle placed third in order. Some people will also place a white candle in the middle of the wreath.