Advent is upon us, and as parishioners of the Catholic faith, we have all heard the term many times in the weeks before Christmas. Let’s refresh and review some of the roots of the word Advent. It comes from a Latin word, adventis, which translates to “a coming”—the faithful preparation for the coming of the Christ child.
Advent has been a part of the liturgical calendar since the 6th century. We commemorate the four Sundays before Christmas with the Advent wreath and the four candles. The 1st, 2nd, and 4th Sundays are represented with purple candles signifying Penance, Preparation/Anticipation, and Royalty. The 3rd Sunday, known as Gaudete Sunday, is represented by a rose/pink candle, signifying Joy and Rejoicing. Guadete comes from a Latin word meaning “rejoice.”
Overall, the wreath’s circular shape refers to Eternity—no beginning or end to Christ’s everlasting Love and Faithfulness.