Advent (from, "ad-venire" in Latin or "to come to") is the beginning of the Church's liturgical year. The season is made up of the four Sundays (and weekdays) leading up to the celebration of Christmas.
“When the Church celebrates the liturgy of Advent each year, she makes present this ancient expectancy of the Messiah, for by sharing the long preparation for the Savior’s first coming, the faithful renew their ardent desire for His second coming.” (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 524) *
The Advent season is a time of preparation that directs our hearts and minds to Christ’s second coming at the end of time and also to the anniversary of the Lord’s birth on Christmas. The final days of Advent, from December 20 to December 24, focus particularly on our preparation for the celebrations of the Nativity of our Lord (Christmas).
Advent begins four Sundays before Christmas. This year, Advent begins on Nov. 27, 2016.
The Advent wreath is a popular Advent custom. It consists of four candles (three purple and one rose), surrounded by evergreen branches. The light of the candles signifies Christ, “the Light that came into the world” to dispel the darkness of sin and to bring the light of truth and love (John 3:19-21). *
During each Sunday of the Advent season, we focus on one of the four virtues Jesus brings us: Hope, Love, Joy and Peace. Typically, families say prayers, read meditations or sing hymns each night along with the lighting of the candles. This custom can help keep our focus on Christ amidst the busyness of shopping, trading and decorating and other activities of life. The wreath serves to continually remind us of whom we are called to be: Followers of Jesus Christ.
Other symbols of the Advent wreath include the evergreens, which symbolize everlasting life. The circle of the wreath, with no beginning or end, symbolizes the eternal nature of God and eternal life through Christ. And pine cones decorating the wreath have traditionally symbolized the seed of new life.