Image Credit: 2026 Year of Grace Liturgical Calendar

The First Sunday of Advent is the Beginning of the Church Year.

Image Credit: Sarah Russell Design – Etsy

1. Advent’s roots are entertwined with the history of the Catholic–and later, the Anglican and/or Episcopalian churches – and the Church Calendar.
2. Early Christians began celebrating Advent during the 4th Century.
3. The word “advent” comes from the Latin word

   adventus, meaning “arrival” or “coming,” which is derived from the verb advenire, meaning “to come to” or “to arrive at” Google ai

4. Today, most Church scholars agree that Advent is a time of preparation–a preparation for the coming of the Christmas Season and a preparation for the second coming of Christ.
5. Today, most Church scholars agree that Advent begins the 4th Sunday before Christmas and that it lasts through Christmas Eve.
6. The first Advent, however, was a 40-day periord of fasting before the baptism of new Christians which would take place on Epiphany.
7. The tradition of creating an Advent wreath began in 1839, and the first Advent wreath had 24  candles to mark the days in December leading through Christmas Eve.

1. The colors of the candles in Advent wreaths have evolved. The first Advent wreath had 20 red candles and 4 white candles. The white candles were lit on the 4 Sundays of Advent.

1. Today’s Advent candles tend to be lavender, pink, and white–but in my opinion, that tradition is not etched in stone. I think that any candles are fine.

How to Make an Advent Wreath from Stuff You Have at Home – Unplug the Perfect! Use Candles from the Dollar Store — It’s OK!

“Evergreens are used in an Advent wreath to symbolize everlasting life and hope, which Christians believe is found in Jesus Christ. The green branches remain vibrant even in winter, representing life and resilience against death, and the circular shape of the wreath, with no beginning or end, signifies the eternity of God.” Google ai