Advent Begins 4 Sundays Before Christmas

Advent Information

- Advent is the season where Catholics prepare to celebrate Christmas and the birth of Jesus.

- Advent begins 4 Sundays before Christmas.

- The season of Advent begins the new liturgical (Church) year for Catholics.

- The main colors used during Advent are purple and pink.

- The virtue of hope is strongly emphasized during Advent, since we are looking forward to an important celebration.

- As part of the tradition, many Catholics celebrate Advent with Wreaths or Calendars.

- Advent means the "coming," or waiting for the arrival of Jesus believed to be the Savior.

4 Themes of Advent 1) Waiting -Patiently waiting to celebrate the coming of the Savior Jesus Christ and the Incarnation. -John the Baptist is a very important figure recognized during Advent as he is the one who "prepared the way of the Lord," and got people ready for the arrival of Jesus.

2) Repentance -Catholics look to grow closer to God by seeking forgiveness for sins and changing to become better people.

3) Rejoicing (Gaudete Sunday) -Celebrating that God is always with us and provides for us.

4) Dealing with Doubt -Just as Mary and Joseph faced many challenges, all people face obstacles when trying to be committed to God.