What is Advent
Advent is a four week season, dedicated to reflective preparation for the arrival, "advent", of Jesus Christ's Nativity at Christmas time as well and Christ's expected return in the Second Coming. During this important event on the church calendar, each week of Advent focuses on a different theme - hope, peace, joy, and love. Christians from all denominations and backgrounds celebrate Advent in different ways but all focus on the anticipation of waiting for the arrival of Jesus.
Advent wreaths: Where did they come from and what do the colors mean?
Advent wreaths are traditionally made from evergreen branches and have four candles as well as a Christ Candle that is in the middle and is white. The four other candles represent the four weeks of Advent — three candles are purple, and one is a rose color.
The purple represents prayer, penance, and preparation for the coming of Christ. Historically, Advent was known as a “little Lent,” which is why the penitential color of purple is used. During Lent, we prepare for the resurrection of Christ on Easter. Similarly, during Advent, we prepare for the coming of Christ, both on Christmas and at the second coming.
The rose candle is lit on the third Sunday of Advent and is a day for rejoicing and joy as the faithful draw near to the birth of Jesus, and it marks the midpoint of Advent.
The circle of the Advent wreath is a geometric design that has neither a beginning nor an end. It reminds us that God does not have a beginning or an end either, which reflects His unity and eternity.
The green color of the wreath represents hope and life. The Advent wreath reminds us that Christ is alive among us and that we must cultivate a life of grace, spiritual growth, and hope during Advent.