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It’s once again that time of the year , when on one hand we have the bittersweet memories of the year that is just about to slip from our hands, while on the other we gear up for one of the biggest festivals celebrated across the globe: CHRISTMAS.

I am sure we all must be gearing up for buying the decorative material for our Christmas trees, gifts for friend & family and much more. But, how many of us know that the celebrations and decorations start much in advance. Few days back, I stumbled upon an extremely informative article entailing the meaningful schedule that acts as a prelude to Christmas. Let me share this interesting piece with you all also

Advent is the period before Christmas to prepare for celebrating Jesus Christ’s birth. It starts the Sunday closest to Nov 30.

The Advent season is observed with various traditions and rituals by Roman Catholics, and different liturgical and evangelical groups. This season lasts four Sundays, beginning on the fourth Sunday before Christmas. It ends on Christmas Eve, marking the start of the official Christmas season, which includes the twelve days of Christmas leading to Epiphany and continues through the first Sunday after Epiphany. Advent is the season of preparation, while Christmas is a season of Celebration. Epiphany commemorates the visit of the wise men to worship infant baby Jesus.

The word ‘advent’ means arrival or coming. Christians use it to refer to Jesus Christ’s birth and the Second Coming to earth as prophesied in the Bible. Jesus came to earth to save people because we can’t save ourselves from sin and its consequences. No matter how good we are, we can’t eliminate sinful nature present in all of us.

This festive tradition commonly features evergreen wreaths, branches, and trees. On the first Sunday of the Advent, churches and homes are adorned with green to symbolize the eternal life Jesus brings.

An Advent green wreath with four coloured candles is prominently displayed around a white one in the centre. The candles are lit one by one on successive Sundays. The first candle represents hope or expectation. The remaining three candles have various meanings depending on church tradition. On Christmas Eve, the white candle at the centre, known as the Christ Candle, is lit to remind us that Jesus is the light of the world.

The season’s joy is further emphasized by switching the colour to rose on the third or fourth Sunday.

However, many still observe fasting and focus on prayer and penitence. This period is meant to prepare one’s heart for Christmas and the anticipation of Christ’s eventual return and His judgement.

Always, whether you follow a particular tradition or not, the Divine will always love you.

So, enjoy ‘Advent’ as you await ‘Christmas’.