What is the significance of Advent Sunday?
= It marks the beginning of the Christian year. “Advent” comes from a Latin word “coming” or “arrival” and it is the arrival of Jesus Christ, the Messiah which is prepared for. When does Advent take place in the Christian calendar? = Advent begins on the 4th Sunday before Christmas and this is always the Sunday nearest to the Feast of St. Andrew, which falls on the of 30th November and there are 4 Sundays in Advent before Christmas Day. What does penitential mean? = “Regretful” or “sorrow” What is the colour of all the hangings in the church at this time of year? = Purple. What is an Advent ring and what is its significance? = An Advent ring consists of 4 blue or purple candles with a white candle in the middle of the circle. The remainder of the ring is decorated with evergreens and the whole arrangement may be placed on a flower stand. On the 1st Sunday in Advent one of the purple candles is lit for the duration of the service. On the 2nd Sunday two are lit and so on. On Christmas Da
