<p> Advent Information</p><p>- Advent is the season where Catholics prepare to celebrate Christmas and the birth of Jesus.</p><p>- Advent begins 4 Sundays before Christmas.</p><p>- The season of Advent begins the new liturgical (Church) year for Catholics.</p><p>- The main colors used during Advent are purple and pink.</p><p>- The virtue of hope is strongly emphasized during Advent, since we are looking forward to an important celebration.</p><p>- As part of the tradition, many Catholics celebrate Advent with Wreaths or Calendars.</p><p>- Advent means the "coming," or waiting for the arrival of Jesus believed to be the Savior.</p><p>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.</p><p>2) Repentance -Catholics look to grow closer to God by seeking forgiveness for sins and changing to become better people.</p><p>3) Rejoicing (Gaudete Sunday) -Celebrating that God is always with us and provides for us.</p><p>4) Dealing with Doubt -Just as Mary and Joseph faced many challenges, all people face obstacles when trying to be committed to God.</p>