Advent begins this coming Sunday 3rd December.  Advent is the beginning of the Church's liturgical year. It is a time of waiting, where we anticipate the birth of Jesus. 

Advent is marked by the presence of an Advent wreath which holds four candles. Each candle has a very special meaning: they respectively symbolize hope, peace, joy, and love. Some people will also light a fifth candle on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day to represent the birth of Jesus; this candle, when added to the Advent wreath, is typically white and larger than the other candles and is placed in the centre of the wreath.     

Advent candle weeks, names & colors 

• Advent week 1 – Hope: Prophecy Candle (purple)
• Advent week 2 – Peace: Bethlehem Candle (purple) 
• Advent week 3 – Joy: Shepherd’s Candle (pink)
• Advent week 4 – Love: Angel’s Candle (purple)

At St Paul’s we will begin our time of Advent with a short prayer/liturgy at assembly next Monday 4th December.