Advent derives from the Latin word "Adventus" which means "arrival".  It is a time of waiting for the arrival of Christmas and the coming of Jesus to earth.

The Church year begins with Advent Sunday, which in the Christian Church is "New years Day" At the end of Advent is Jesus' birthday, Christmas day.

What happens during Advent?

During Advent Christians around the world prepare to celebrate the arrival of God into the world through the birth of his son Jesus Christ.  Advent is a time to celebrate light in the midst of darkness.

The Advent wreath

The wreath is made of a circle of evergreen leaves, laid flat to symbolise eternal life and has four candles standing in a circle.  Each one represents one of the four Sundays in Advent.  In the centre stands a fifth candle, which represents Christ.

The circle of the wreath reminds Christians of God, his eternity and mercy, that has no beginning nor end. The green of the wreath represents the hope that Christians have in God, hope of newness of renewal and eternal life.

Worship during Advent is a journey through the Christmas story.  The candles are lit, one each Sunday of Advent, the final candle, the Christ candle, in the centre, is lit on Christmas day.

What do each of the candles represent?

The candles symbolise the light of God coming into the world through his son Jesus Christ.  There are many traditions of what each candle represents. Some are listed below

The Patriarchs-holy men in the Old Testament/Gods people,

the candle of hope, as we look at the light of this candle we celebrate the hope we have in Christ

The prophets,

the candle of peace, as we look at  the light of this candle we celebrate the peace we find in Christ

John the Baptist,

the candle of love, as we look at the light of this candle we celebrate our love for Christ.

Mary the mother of Jesus,

the candle of joy, when we look at the light from this candle we celebrate the joy we find in Jesus.

The central candle

represents the birth of Christ, the light from this candle reminds us that he is the light of the world and if we follow Him, we will never be in darkness, but will have the true light of life.