Nativity Advent Candleholder with Intricate Design | Avalon Gallery

The Advent

Advent is the sacred season of joyful expectation and hopeful preparation in the Church calendar. Lasting four weeks before Christmas, it calls us to ready our hearts for the coming of Christ — who came in history at Bethlehem, who comes to us in the sacraments and daily grace, and who will come again in glory at the end of time.

Hopeful Waiting and Preparation:
“A voice of one calling in the wilderness, ‘Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for him.’” (Matthew 3:3 / Isaiah 40:3)
The Light Coming into Darkness:
“The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness, on them has light shone.” (Isaiah 9:2)
Joyful Expectation:
“Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice.” (Philippians 4:4) — proclaimed on Gaudete Sunday (Third Sunday of Advent)
The Incarnation and God’s Faithfulness:
“Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.” (Isaiah 7:14)
Watchfulness:
“Therefore, stay awake, for you do not know on what day your Lord is coming.” (Matthew 24:42)

Many observe the holy season of Advent by lighting a candle on each of its four Sundays. Three candles are purple, calling us to prayer, loving service, and preparation for the coming of Jesus. The rose-colored candle, lit on the third Sunday, known as Gaudete Sunday, symbolizes our joy as the celebration of Christ’s birth draws near.