Advent
The Season of Advent begins on a Sunday about four weeks before Christmas Day. It is celebrated by most Christian Churches, as well as some other Christian communities.
Not all Christian people remember Advent. Some people use it as a time of fasting, study, meditation and prayer.
What is it?
Advent is a time when some Christians prepare for two things. The first is the coming of the baby Jesus and the Christmas holiday. The other is the Second Coming of Jesus.
Generally, Advent is a time when many people are very busy in preparation for Christmas Day, cleaning and decorating, buying food and gifts, writing cards and letters, and cooking the Christmas feast.
Calendars & candles
Special Advent calendars are made for children, with pictures or treats for each day of Advent.
Some churches use special candles during Advent. In many countries it is very common to have an advent wreath with 4 candles. Every advent Sunday, one candle more will be lighted, so that on Advent 4th all 4 candles are burning. The bright wreath and candles symbolize Jesus bringing light to Christmas.
Advent Media
A representation of Saint Perpetuus
Rorate Mass in Prague Cathedral, Czech Republic
Celebration of a Advent vespers. Cope and antependium are violet, the liturgical colour of Advent in the Roman Rite.
Medieval manuscript of Gregorian chant setting of "Rorate Coeli"
An Advent wreath with three blue candles and one rose candle surrounding a central Christ candle
A giant Advent wreath in Kaufbeuren, Bavaria, Germany
Unlit advent wreath, Poertschach on Lake Woerth, district Klagenfurt Land, Carinthia / Austria / EU
Celtic cross in memorial garden, Bon Air Presbyterian Church, Virginia, with Advent wreaths decorating the gates
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