The Christian liturgical season of Advent is considered a time of spiritual preparation in the weeks leading up to Christmas. The devotional period begins on the fourth Sunday before Christmas day. Christian churches consider Advent a time to reflect on, and to celebrate the coming birth of Jesus.CRI/Voice, Institute: The Christian Season of Advent
The Advent Wreath
The Advent Wreath, a common part of Advent tradition and celebration, is believed to have originated in Germany and Scandinavia during winter solstice celebrations. A traditional circular Advent wreath is made of evergreens and four candles. Three of the candles are purple and a fourth is rose-colored. On each Sunday of Advent, a candle is lit to help mark the passage of time before the coming of the Christ child.American Catholic: Advent FAQs
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References
Fast Facts
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Advent marks the beginning of the church year for most Western churchesCRI/Voice, Institute: The Christian Season of Advent
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Believed to have originated in France as preparation period before the Feast of the EpiphanyCatholic Education Resource Center: The Liturgical Season of Advent
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Earliest authentic record of Advent
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Formally established as a four-week period by Pope Gregory I around 600 A.D.History.com: Advent
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Advent begins on the Sunday nearest to November 30
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Advent 2010
November 28
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Liturgical season celebrates the coming birth of Jesus and His second comingCRI/Voice, Institute: The Christian Season of Advent
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Colors of the season are purple and/or blueEvangelical Lutheran Church of America: Advent
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Blue suggests hope, while purple denotes "the royal color of the coming king"Evangelical Lutheran Church of America: Advent
