“Advent” means “coming.” During Advent, we focus on the two comings of Christ to earth: as our Saviour two thousand years ago, and as our Judge one day in the future.

The Advent wreath, a circular garland of evergreen branches represents eternity.  Advent candles demonstrate the contrast between darkness and light.  Four candles represent the four weeks of Advent, three are purple, and one is rose. The purple candles symbolize the prayer, penance and good works undertaken at this time. The rose candle is lit on the third Sunday, Gaudete Sunday, the Sunday of rejoicing, because we have arrived at the midpoint of Advent, when our preparation is now half over and we draw closer to Christmas. The progressive lighting of the candles symbolizes the expectation and hope surrounding Our Lord’s first coming into the world and the anticipation of His second coming to judge the living and the dead.