What is Advent?

Advent is a period of preparation, extending over four Sundays, before Christmas. The season of Advent, the time of preparation for the coming of Christ at Christmas and the start of the liturgical year in the Roman Catholic Church, begins on a different date each year.

Advent provides us with the opportunity to slow down, to reflect, to take the time to prepare our hearts for Jesus once again. It is time to think about how we may truly receive Jesus, God-with-us (Emmanuel) this Christmas. Advent is a wonderful time in the year for us all to live the gifts of waiting, patience, anticipation and hope.

The Purple Cloth

The purple cloth is used twice in our Church year: Lent and Advent.

The colour purple is the colour of kings and queens and reminds us of the importance of Jesus’ birth.

The Advent Wreath

The Advent Wreath is a circle that symbolises God’s never ending love.

The Four Candles

The light of Christ.

Each week as the light grows stronger; we grow stronger too in our reverence for and commitment to Christ. The growing light helps us recognise Christ not only in the historical event we celebrate at Christmas but in our lives today and in the hope we carry as we prepare to welcome Jesus into our hearts. 

 The First Candle

This is called the ‘Hope Candle’ or ‘The Prophets Candle’. It reminds us of the prophets, especially Isaiah who reminded the people to always live in hope for the coming of Jesus.

The Second Candle

This is known as the ‘Peace Candle’ or ‘The Bethlehem Candle’. This candle reminds us of the journey which Mary and Joseph made to Bethlehem. 

The Third Candle

The rose coloured candle is called the ‘Joy Candle’ or ‘The Shepherd’s Candle’ and reminds us of the joy the shepherds felt when they heard of the birth of the Messiah.

 The Fourth Candle

Is called the ‘Love Candle’ or the ‘Angel’s Candle’. It reminds us of the love that Christ brought into the world and the message the angels sang: ‘Peace on earth and good will to all!’.

Below are some of the types of questions we might investigate during this time....

 What does the word Advent mean? Where does the word come from?

 What are the key messages and symbols of the season of Advent?

 How long does Advent last? What are some key scripture texts during this season?

 How is the Church Liturgical Year organised? (seasons, readings, themes or messages, colours and symbols) When does the Church Liturgical Year begin and end?

 What is a Jesse Tree? What are the differences/similarities between Jesus’ genealogy in Matthew and Luke’s gospels?

 How does the Advent wreath help to prepare Christians for Christmas?

 Why and how do people use Advent calendars? Where did Advent calendars originate?