Today in the Western Christian Church, the first Sunday of Advent is celebrated, marking the beginning of the period of waiting for Christmas — a time of preparation for the remembrance and celebration of the first coming of Jesus Christ. Advent lasts for four weeks.
It is from the first Sunday of Advent that the new year begins in the Western Christian Church. This is the period from the fourth Sunday before Christmas — a time of silence, reflection, and inner focus before the birth of Christ.
The Church teaches that the time of Advent should be spent in silence, deep contemplation, and prayer. It is a time when everyone needs to look within themselves, repent of their sins, and forgive others.
The Advent wreath also holds special symbolic significance. The branches of pine, fir, thuja, or juniper that are woven into the wreath symbolize hope and eternal life. The circular shape of the wreath signifies unity and eternity. Lighting a candle each of the four Sundays symbolizes the victory of light over darkness, which comes with the birth of Christ.
Advent is a four-week period that begins on the Sunday closest to the feast of Saint Andrew (this year — November 30) and lasts until the evening of December 21.
Let us remind that currently, Orthodox Christians are observing the Christmas fast.
