Advent is the Christian liturgical season of preparation and anticipation leading up to the celebration of Christmas. It begins four Sundays before Christmas and marks the start of the Christian liturgical year in many traditions, including Catholic, Anglican, Lutheran, and some Protestant denominations.

Key Themes:

1. Anticipation of Christ’s Coming:
   • Reflects on two key events:
     • First Coming: Jesus’ birth in Bethlehem.
     • Second Coming: Jesus’ return at the end of time.
2. Hope and Preparation:
   • A time of spiritual reflection, repentance, and renewal.

Advent Practices:

1. Lighting the Advent Wreath:
   • A circular wreath with four candles (three purple, one pink) and an optional central white candle:
     • Week 1: Hope (purple)
     • Week 2: Peace (purple)
     • Week 3: Joy (pink)
     • Week 4: Love (purple)
     • Christmas Day: Christ Candle (white).
2. Scripture Readings and Prayers:
   • Focus on Old Testament prophecies about the Messiah and New Testament passages about Christ’s birth and return.
3. Music:
   • Hymns like “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel” emphasize Advent’s reflective nature.
4. Fasting and Giving:
   • Some traditions observe fasting and charitable acts during Advent as a way to prepare the heart for Christ’s coming.

Written by AI. A more correct, God given, explanation can be found here.