Advent is a season of renewal reflection and anticipation for the birth of Jesus. It marks the beginning of the liturgical year and brings an Advent is a season of renewal, reflection and anticipation for the birth of Jesus. It marks the beginning of the liturgical year and brings an end to Ordinary Time. This season spans over four Sundays, starting four weeks before Christmas, inviting the faithful into a time of hopeful waiting and joyful anticipation. During this season, the faithful prepare their hearts and minds to welcome Jesus into the world, God’s love made flesh. Throughout Advent, Catholics engage with rich symbols and customs that deepen the season’s meaning.
The liturgical colour marking the season of Advent is purple, which reflects both penitence and royal anticipation as we prepare our hearts for the birth of Jesus. An Advent wreath, a circle of evergreens signifying eternal life, is placed in churches and homes, holding four candles – three purple and one rose. These candles symbolise our spiritual pilgrimage through Advent’s four holy themes, hope, peace, joy and love, offering a gentle light throughout the season. Each Sunday during Advent, a candle is lit:
- The first candle represents hope and reminds us to trust in God’s promises.
- The second represents peace and calls us to reconciliation.
- The third represents joy and brings a joyful pause with the rose candle as we anticipate Christ’s nearness.
- The fourth represents love and encourages us to reflect God’s boundless love in our lives.
On Christmas Eve or Christmas Day, the white Christ Candle is lit at the wreath’s centre, proclaiming Christ as the true Light who enters our world, bestowing the fullness of hope and salvation.
In many homes and churches, the nativity scene is also prominently displayed during this time, portraying the humble birth of Jesus in Bethlehem, the central event Advent prepares us to celebrate.
The Scripture readings, prayers and hymns proclaimed during Advent nurture a spirit of watchfulness and preparation, inviting the faithful to reflect deeply on God’s Incarnation.
As Advent concludes on Christmas Eve, the Church welcomes the Christmas season with vigil Masses. The joyful Christmas season extends for twelve days, beginning December 25 and culminating on January 5, the eve of the Epiphany. The Epiphany, celebrated on January 6, honours the Magi’s visit to the infant Jesus, a moment symbolising Christ’s revelation to all nations.
Together, Advent and the Christmas season form a continuous spiritual journey that invites Catholics to deepen their faith, renew their hope and celebrate the gift of God’s love made flesh.
Advent series
The season of Advent invites Catholics to deepen their faith, renew their hope and celebrate the gift of God’s love made flesh.