Advent

During the four weeks prior to Christmas we celebrate a season called Advent. Advent is actually the beginning of the Church year, and it’s a gentle, reflective beginning. It’s a quiet season of fasting and contemplation leading up to our celebration of the birth of Jesus.

The word “Advent” means “coming” or “arrival.” Just as Thanksgiving ends and the world around us begins decking the halls, Advent invites us to slow down, be still, and wait. Wait for what? For the coming, the advent, of the Lord.

During Advent we light the candles of the Advent wreath, one for each of the four Sundays. In addition, we light a fifth candle in the center of the wreath, the Christ candle, when Christ is born in our hearts again on Christmas.