Advent is the beginning of the Catholic Church's liturgical year, consisting of the first four Sundays and subsequent weekdays before Christmas. The word "Advent" comes from the Latin "adventus," which means "a coming or approach." It is a time of preparation intended to direct the Church toward the Second Coming of Christ as we also remember the Nativity of our Lord. This year, Advent begins on Sunday, November 30, and ends on Wednesday, December 24.

An Advent wreath is a popular Christian tradition symbolizing different aspects of the liturgical season. It is an evergreen wreath with four candles; the shape and color represent God's infinite and everlasting love for us. The four candles symbolize a different weekly theme, beginning each of the Sundays before Christmas.

Taken from the genealogy of Christ in the Gospel of Matthew, a Jesse Tree represents the family of Jesse, the father of David. Made from paper, cloth, or a Christmas tree, families often make or add an ornament each day depicting one of the ancestors of Jesus Christ. The origin of Advent traditions like the Jesse Tree stems from centuries-old traditions.

From December 17 through Christmas Day, the “O” Antiphons are special antiphons traditionally sung during Evening Prayer. Referencing Old Testament passages that speak of the anticipated messiah, they announce the coming birth of Jesus and renew our hope during this season.

Taken from the Latin word for “rejoice,” Gaudete Sunday is the third Sunday of Advent. As the Christmas season draws closer, this Sunday reminds us of the joyful nature of Christ’s coming.

Prayers centering on joy and hope are perfect for the Advent season. Ideas include specific Advent devotionals or Advent readings, meditating with passages like Luke 1:34-38 or Isaiah 40:3, singing the “O” Antiphons, and praying novenas or prayers like the Acts of Faith, Hope, and Love. Other passages from different books of the Bible include Luke 1:26-2:20, Isaiah 9:6-7, Isaiah 40:3, Amos 9:11-13, and the Acts of the Apostles. Meditating with figures like St. John the Baptist, the shepherds at the Nativity scene, and other biblical characters can also aid us in preparing the way for the Messiah.

Many modern Advent traditions come from devotions Christians have practiced for centuries. For example, you can celebrate Advent through special prayers and novenas, reading spiritual books, having an Advent wreath or Jesse Tree at home, singing the "O” Antiphons, or taking other steps to spiritually prepare for the birth of Baby Jesus.

The color of the Advent candle lit each Sunday of Advent represents a different theme. Whereas Easter Sunday uses a white candle, during the Advent season purple is the primary color used, symbolizing preparation and repentance. The rose candle is lit on the Third Sunday of Advent to illustrate the joyful, anticipatory nature of the season.

The four themes are hope, peace, joy, and love for each week of Advent, respectively. These themes reveal the Church's preparation for Christmas as we direct our hearts and minds to Christ’s coming, similar to how Ash Wednesday and Holy Week help us to more fully enter into Lent and ready ourselves for the eventual joy of Easter Sunday.