Advent

Advent is a season observed in many Western Christian churches as a time of

expectant waiting and preparation for the celebration of the Nativity of
Jesus at Christmas. The term is a version of the Latin word meaning "coming".
Latin adventus is the translation of the Greek word parousia, commonly used to refer to
the Second Coming of Christ. For Christians, the season of Advent anticipates the
coming of Christ from three different perspectives. "Since the time of Bernard of
Clairvaux (d.1153) Christians have spoken of the three comings of Christ: in the flesh in
Bethlehem, in our hearts daily, and in glory at the end of time." The season offers the
opportunity to share in the ancient longing for the coming of the Messiah, and to be alert
for his Second Coming.

[ [[[advent wreath]]]] ]
The Advent wreath, or Advent crown, is a Christian tradition that symbolizes the
passage of the four weeks of Advent in the liturgical calendar of the Western church.
The Advent Wreath is traditionally a Lutheran practice, although it has spread to many
other Christian denominations.
It is usually a horizontal evergreen wreath with four candles and often, a fifth, white
candle in the center. Beginning with the First Sunday of Advent, the lighting of a candle
can be accompanied by a Bible reading, devotional time and prayers. An additional
candle is lit during each subsequent week until, by the last Sunday before Christmas, all
four candles are lit. Many Advent wreaths include a fifth, Christ candle which is lit
at Christmas Eve or Christmas Day. The custom is observed both in family settings and
at public church services.