Advent
The four weeks leading up to Christmas; during this period, Christians anticipate the story of the Nativity. is the period leading up to Christmas. It starts on the Sunday nearest to 30 November and ends on the fourth Sunday before 25 December.
The word 'advent' means 'coming'. It is a time of preparation for the celebration of the birth of Jesus. Many Advent customs involve counting the days until Christmas comes, such as the Unconnected with religion. use of a chocolate Advent calendar.
Some churches have an Advent An arrangement of flowers in a ring, often laid at funerals or to remember the deceased. with five candles, one for each of the four Sundays leading up to Generally the 25th December when the birth of Jesus is celebrated. and one for Christmas Day itself. There are different readings on each of the four Sundays leading up to Christmas Day.
An advent wreath with four candles lit. The fifth candle is lit on Christmas day.
Purple is the usual In the Catholic Church, each season has a colour and each colour has a meaning. Depending on the time of year, a certain colour is used for the clothing of the clergy and in wall hangings. used during Advent in the UK. The colour is often used for hangings around the church, the People ordained for religious duty. Ceremonial or official garment. , and the In Judaism, the portable shelter for the Ark of the Covenant, which held the laws given by God to Moses and was used by the Israelites during the Exodus. In Christianity, a cabinet on the altar in some churches that holds the sacrament (bread or host) for Holy Communion..
In some Christian A group within a religion. Christian denominations include, for example, Roman Catholic and Anglican denominations., blue (representing hope) is an alternative colour for Advent.
What Advent means for Christians today
Advent reminds Christians of the Connected with God and revered as holy. meaning of Christmas. Despite the secular preparations taking place, eg buying presents and going to parties, Advent reminds Christians to remember and prepare for the birth of Jesus. They may also attend A Christian service consisting of songs about Christmas. as part of Advent.
One important aspect of Advent in the A group of Christians who accept the Pope in Rome as their leader. Church, especially before 16 December, is to prepare for the The Christian belief that at the end of time Jesus Christ will come again in judgment. of Christ, in judgement, at the end of time.