LANGLEY AFB, VA. –
The word advent, means "the coming," in Latin. The Advent season begins the fourth Sunday before Christmas, Dec. 3., and ends the day before Christmas, Dec. 24, at sundown.
It is believed that Advent began in the fourth century. Then, Advent was a period of time where Christian converts prepared themselves for baptism.
During the Middle Ages, Advent lasted from Nov. 11., the feast of St. Martin, until Christmas Day. At that time, Advent's purpose was for Christians to devote themselves to prayer and fasting.
Advent eventually evolved into a time for spiritual reflection and anticipation of the celebration of Christ's birth.
Currently, many Christian denominations light candles on an Advent wreath, made of evergreen, as part of worship services during Advent.
Advent wreaths originated in northern Europe. In winter, people would light candles on round bundles of evergreen. The evergreen and circular shape was a symbol of ongoing life. The candles gave light in the darkness of winter.
Eastern European Christians eventually adopted this custom. By the 16th century, Advent wreaths were used as they are today.
Traditionally, the Advent wreath has four candles: three purple and one rose.
Purple dye was very expensive and rare and came to be associated with royalty. The Roman Catholic Church used this color at Christmas and Easter to honor Jesus.
The three purple candles in the Advent wreath symbolize hope, peace and love. These candles are lit on the first, second and fourth Sundays of Advent. The rose candle represents joy and is lit on the third Sunday of Advent season.
A fifth candle, which is white and placed in the center of the wreath, is lit on Christmas Day. The white color is associated with angels and the birth of Jesus.
Advent calendars have 24 small doors which are opened each day from Dec. 1 until Christmas. The tradition began in Germany in the late 1800s. Advent calendars originally showed pictures from the Hebrew Bible. Modern calendars vary from the secular to religious but all are considered a fun way to count down the days until Christmas.
This holiday season, Christians will once again celebrate Advent as they focus on "the coming"-- the celebration of the birth of Jesus.