🕯️SEASON OF ADVENT🕯️

 "But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint." (Isaiah 40:31)

On 27th November, 2022 we celebrated the first Sunday of Advent and lit the candle of Hope. But what does Advent really mean?  

What Is Advent Season? 

Advent Season is a very special time of year that sometimes gets lost in the bright lights of the Christmas season it precedes. The first day of Advent is the first day of a new Liturgical (or church) calendar and begins a four week period of preparation in anticipation of the nativity of Jesus at Christmas. 

The Advent Season is all about reflecting on how we can prepare our hearts and homes for Christ’s birth in the world as it is today. It is a time for faith communities and families to remember, through prayer, reflections, special music, and good deeds what the true meaning of Jesus’ birth is. 

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. 

When Is Advent Season Celebrated? 

Advent Season starts on the fourth Sunday before Christmas and leads up to the Nativity of Christ and the second coming of Christ. That means that Advent lasts for around a month in total.

Sundays of Advent

When is the first Sunday of Advent? 

The first Sunday of Advent is November 27, 2022. The first Sunday of Advent is also the beginning of the new liturgical year when we transition into a new liturgical cycle. On the first Sunday of Advent in 2022, we’ll transition from cycle C to cycle A. 

When is the second Sunday of Advent?

The second Sunday of Advent is December 4, 2022. 

When is the third Sunday of Advent? 

The third Sunday of Advent is December 11, 2022. Called “Gaudete Sunday,” meaning rejoice, a pink candle on the Advent wreath represents this Sunday. At Mass, you’ll also see priests and deacons in pink vestments, leading us to await the birth of Jesus joyfully. 

When is the fourth Sunday of Advent? 

The fourth Sunday of Advent is December 18, 2022 – a week before Christmas. 

How Do People Celebrate Advent Season? 

Advent Wreath

The most significant tradition of the Advent season is the Advent Wreath. The wreath and candles are full of symbolism tied to the Christmas season. So what does the Advent Wreath symbolize? The wreath itself, which is made of various evergreens, signifies continuous life. The circle of the wreath, which has no beginning or end, symbolizes the eternity of God, the immortality of the soul, and the everlasting life we find in Christ.

Advent Calendar

One way people like to celebrate is by counting down the days to Christmas with an Advent calendar. The excitement builds as each day passes. There are many different calendars, often with surprises like a piece of chocolate or candy behind a tiny door for each day.  Or you might like to put a little something special that can be done to help prepare for Christmas, perhaps a good deed for each day! 

Advent Candles

The candles also have their own special significance. The four candles represent the four weeks of Advent, and one candle is lit each Sunday. Three of the candles are purple because the color violet is a liturgical color that signifies a time of prayer, penance, and sacrifice.

Here are a few ideas to celebrate Advent!

• Call a friend you haven’t spoken with.
• Visit a neighbor who lives alone.
• Bring something special to your local homeless shelter.
• Say a prayer for a different person each day.
• Putting up a Christmas tree.
• Lighting a Christingle.
• Setting up Christmas decorations.

Learn more about Advent in just 2 mins! 

Comment down below which candles of Advent have been already lit!