In some denominations, Advent is also celebrated by the lighting of an Advent wreath, which represents Jesus coming as a ...

Here’s a quick explanation of what Advent means for Christians and Catholics, and the origins behind some other Christmas traditions.

An Advent wreath is circular and symbolizes everlasting life and unending love. The arrangement is used to put our attention ...

During the liturgical season of Advent, many churches opt to display an Advent wreath as a way to mark the days and weeks leading up to Christmas and the birth of Jesus Christ. But what is an Advent ...

Advent is the time of preparation to receive the grace of Christmas the only way we Christians can truly prepare: clinging to the cross and begging for mercy for our sins, writes NCR columnist Michael ...

Advent is linked to the Advent wreath, made from a circle of evergreen leaves used to represent eternal life. There are also four candles, one for each of the Sundays ’til Christmas. Some add a fifth ...

Wreaths, candles and calendars. These are sure signs of Advent for many Christian groups around the world. But what is Advent exactly? The word Advent derives from the Latin adventus, which means an ...

Advent begins this year on Sunday, Dec. 3. Most Catholics, even those who don’t often go to Mass, know that Advent involves a wreath with candles, possibly a “calendar” of hidden chocolates, and ...

On Friday, people young and old started to take part in the holiday time tradition of the Advent calendar. So what is the story behind this time-honored tradition and how did it come to mainstream ...

Another liturgical year is ending this week. On Sunday, we will celebrate the First Sunday of Advent and, with it, a new church year. This monthlong liturgical season tends to sneak up on many of us.

Advent ‒ which derives from the Latin word "ad-venire," or "to come to" ‒ is the season that includes the four Sundays, and weekdays, leading up to Christmas, according to the United States Conference ...