Advent Freya, Holly and Izzy

What is it? Advent is a time of expectant waiting and preparation for the celebration of the Nativity of Jesus at Christmas. Some churches have advent wreaths with 4 candles arranged in it. Each Sunday in the advent period (December) one of the candles is lit. Christians may use this time to get spiritually ready for Christmas and to ask God to forgive their sins.

The four candles symbolise Hope, Peace, Joy and Love The four candles symbolise Hope, Peace, Joy and Love. Some Christians also light a fifth white candle that represents Christ. The candles are purple because it is the liturgical colour of Advent in the UK and around the world. On Christmas Eve at midnight, many people go to 'midnight mass', which is a special Eucharist service that mostly Roman Catholic Churches take part in.

Why is it important? Advent is important as it is part of the celebration of Jesus' incarnation. It also symbolises how some Christians believe that Jesus will return to Earth which gives many Christians hope. For some Christians, advent is not just a time to celebrate, but to remind themselves of the need for peace and kindness in the world.

Bible quote Matthew 4:16: 'the people living in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned.’ This shows hope and light in the run up to Jesus' birth, which Christians represent with the 4 candles.

How different denominations celebrate Advent Lutheran Christians tend to light blue candles rather than purple ones as blue represents hope. In Protestant churches, it is more usual to use four red candles, which is the traditional Christmas decoration colour. Apart from this, there is not much difference between how different denominations celebrate Advent.

Thank you for listening!