The Season of Advent at St Paul's Cathedral 

What Is Advent?

Advent is a very special time of year that sometimes gets lost in the bright lights of the Christmas season it precedes. The first day of Advent is the first day of a new Liturgical (or church) calendar and begins a four week period of preparation for the nativity (birth) of Jesus Christ on Christmas.

The Advent Season is all about reflecting on how to prepare our hearts and homes for Christ’s birth in the world as it is today. It is a time for faith communities and families to remember, through prayer, reflections, special music, and good deeds what the true meaning of Jesus’ birth is.

The Advent Season invites us to step away from what can be a frenzied time of parties, shopping, and holiday noise to consider how we commemorate the birth of Jesus, one of the holiest times in Christian faith. It is also a time to reflect on the triumphant return of Jesus at the second coming.

Advent Candles
The candles also have their own special significance. The four colored candles represent the four weeks of Advent, and one additional candle is lit each consecutive Sunday. The flames of candles are a representation of the Christmas light approaching, bringing HOPE, PEACE, JOY, LOVE AND JESUS in the struggle against darkness.

First Sunday & Week of Advent

  

First Week of Advent 
Starting Sunday, December 1st
The first candle, which is usually the color purple, symbolizes HOPE. It is sometimes called the “Prophecy Candle” in remembrance of the prophets, especially Isaiah, who foretold the birth of Christ. It represents the expectation felt in anticipation of the coming Messiah.

Schedule of Events for First Week of Advent

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Second Sunday & Week of Advent

 

Second Week of Advent 
Starting Sunday, December 8th
The second candle, usually the color purple, symbolizes PEACE. It is called the “Bethlehem Candle” as a reminder to  the journey of Mary and Joseph to Bethlehem, and the peace that Christ's birth brought. It also symbolizes faith, as Micah foretold that the Messiah would be born in Bethlehem.

Schedule of Events for Second Week of Advent

 

Third Sunday & Week of Advent

  

Third Week of Advent 
Starting Sunday, December 15th
The third candle, usually the color pink, symbolizes JOY. It is called the “Shepherd’s Candle,” and is pink because rose is a liturgical color for joy. The third Sunday of Advent is Gaudete Sunday and is meant to remind us of the joy that the world experienced at the birth of Jesus, as well as the joy that the faithful have reached the midpoint of Advent.

Schedule of Events for Third Week of Advent

 

Fourth Sunday & Week of Advent

  

Fourth Week of Advent 
Starting Sunday, December 22nd
The fourth candle, usually the color purple, symbolizes LOVE. It is called the "Angel's Candle," and is a reminder that God is love and that Christians believe Jesus was God's greatest gift of love.

Schedule of Events for Fourth Week of Advent

 

Arrival of JESUS

Arrival of Jesus

December 25th Christmas Day
The white candle in the middle of an Episcopal Advent wreath symbolizes the LIFE (LIGHT) of CHRIST and the Arrival of Jesus. The color white symbolizes purity, as Christ is the sinless Savior. It is called the "Christ Candle." 

Schedule of Events for Christmas Day