Advent

Advent means 'coming'. Christians prepare to celebrate Jesus' birth as a baby in the weeks of December that lead up to Christmas. They also remember that he will return as king and judge.

Many Advent customs involve counting the days until Christmas begins.

A tall candle is marked into 24 sections. One section is burnt each day in December until Christmas.

Four candles are set in a wreath of greenery. On the Sundays before Christmas the candles are lit - first one, then two, three and four.

Traditionally, three of the outside candles are purple, one is pink, and the central candle is white.

The circle of evergreen leaves is a symbol of God's eternity.

• The first candle stands for hope.
• The second candle stands for peace.
• The third candle stands for joy and is pink.
• The fourth candle stands for love.

Finally, the white candle is lit on Christmas morning, to mark the birth of Christ, the light of the world.