The season of Advent is the beginning of the Christian Liturgical Year. Thus representing the leading up of and the Birth of Christ. 4th Century France is where this observance began and lasted 4 to 7 weeks. In the 6th Century the Bishop of Rome had set the duration to 4 weeks, and the observance of Advent was strictly enforced in the Christian community. This included silent prayer, fasting daily and the attending of daily Church services. Advent in short is the Coming of God in Christ. Or the Second Coming as it were. His time of coming is unknown and as Christians, those who believe must prepare for His coming. Preparation in the form of repentance, prayer and patience. If as a Christian you are prepared.....The reward is Salvation ! Those unprepared, Shall be your time of Judgement......
The Robes of Advent traditionally are Purple, which reflects quiet dignity, repentance and Royality.....Royality? Yes, after all Christ is the King of Kings......and Blue....which represents Hope... Hope which means many things to many people. To me it means Joy that can come in Peace on Earth.....
During the Season of Advent, As an Anglican, one of our Symbols for the season is the Advent Wreath. The Wreath of Evergreen, is circular, representing Gods eternal Love for His Children. There are 4 Purple Candles which represent the 4 Sundays leading up to Christs birth. 1 candle lit each Sunday. There is also a candle for Hope, This candle is Pink. With a White Candle in the center which represents Christs Birth. In the different Christian belief systems, the lighting of the candles may vary, In my Anglican Church, the 1st Sunday lights the 1st Purple candle, which is for Hope, The Prophecy of Christs Birth.
2nd Sunday, the 1st and 2nd Purple candles are lit, The candles of Hope and Peace... also the Pink Candle is lit for Joy.
3rd Sunday. the 1st or Hope, 2nd or Peace and the 3rd Purple candles are lit. Also the Pink Candle. This is the Shepherds Lighting, to remind us all, that we all need Guidance at one time or another. And because the Poor Shepherds were the first to witness Christ...
4th Sunday, Light all 4 Purple candles and the Pink Candle. The 4th Purple candle is known as the Angels candle. representing Christ. it also represents the rejoycing.
Finally, On Christmas Eve and Christmas Day all candles are lit as well as the White Candle in the center which is Christs candle.. This represents The Birth of Christ......
This is my understanding of Advent.......This is the day the Lord has made, let us be glad and rejoyce in it !!