Advent Today Advent means ‘the coming’ of something. Advent is a period lasting FOUR Sundays (not weeks!) preparing for the celebration of Jesus’ birth. The first Sunday of Advent also marks the beginning of the Christian Church's year. Because the celebration is such an important event, Christians want to make themselves completely ready.

Why is the Advent Wreath so special to Christians? The circle of the wreath reminds Christians of God, His eternity and endless mercy, and love which has no beginning or end. The evergreen leaves of the wreath reminds us that God like the evergreen leaves is unchanging.

What do the colours of the Candles represent? The four outer candles represent the period of waiting during the four Sundays of Advent THE PURPLE CANDLES: represents sorrow, our sorrow for our failure to love in so many parts of our lives THE PINK CANDLE: represents our joy and happiness at the coming of Christ. We light this on the 3rd Sunday of advent. THE WHITE CANDLE: represents Christ as the light of the world and is lit on Christmas day.

The lead up to Christmas with The Advent crown The candles act as reminders to Christians: The first candle is the candle of 'Hope', so prayers on this day focus on hope. This candle represents the 'Patriarchs' such as Abraham and David. The second candle is a symbol of God's 'Peace'. This candle reminds Christians of the Prophets who foretold that the Messiah would be born. The third candle represents 'Love' and stands for John the Baptist who baptised Jesus. The fourth candle symbolises 'Joy' and when this candle is lit Christians remember Mary the mother of Jesus who was joyful when the angel Gabriel told her she was to have a special baby. The fifth candle reminds Christians of the birth of Jesus on Christmas Day.

The four traditional advent themes The Candle of HOPE The Candle of PEACE The Candle of LOVE The Candle of JOY The white candle is sometimes lit in the middle to celebrate the birth of Jesus.