The Season of Advent at St Paul's Cathedral December 1-22, 2024
Advent History
What Is Advent?
Most simply, Advent is the four Sundays before Christmas, yet it is so much more than that. The first day of Advent marks 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, the true meaning of Jesus’ birth.
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. We strongly encourage you to join us Wednesday nights in Advent (December 4, 11, and 18) for our 'Serving Advent' series. We'll eat together, serve and reflect during this sacred time. Learn more HERE. We also suggest making a daily devotional a practice during Advent, and have the following resources available for you:
Advent Mason Jar Devotional Project Advent Starry Nights Devotional
Advent Candles
The candles (commonly used with an Advent Wreath) 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. Join us Sunday, December 1 at 10:10 a.m. in Dean Willey Hall to make your own Advent Wreath so that you can light the candles at home each week.
First Sunday & Week of Advent