Advent

Advent (from the Latin adventus meaning "coming" or "arrival") is the season before Christmas. It includes four Sundays starting with the one nearest Saint Andrew's Day (November 30th) and marks the beginning of the church year.

Advent has been observed since the 6th century as a season of meditative anticipation for the day of Christmas and the celebration of Jesus' birth and his future Second Coming.

According to Advent's theme of Christ's appearance, the readings include the messianic prophecies of Isaiah and the portions of the Gospels concerning John the Baptist. In the Roman Catholic tradition, purple is the color normally used for Advent decorations and priestly vestments. Advent hymns often include "O Come, O Come Emmanuel" and "Come Thou Long Expected Jesus."

Advent Wreath

During Advent, four candles within a wreath are normally set near the church altar. Three of the candles are purple, one is pink. On the first Sunday of Advent a purple candle is lit, the second Sunday two of the purple candles are lit, the third Sunday two purple candles and the pink candle are lit; on the fourth Sunday of Advent all four candles are lit. The pink candle marks the halfway point of Advent, called Gaudete Sunday. On Christmas Day, a white "Christ Candle" is often placed and lit in the center of the Advent Wreath.

An Advent Wreath or Advent Calendar may also be kept in the home to mark the timing of the season before Christmas.

Sources

The New American Desk Encyclopedia, Penguin Group, 1989