For many people who observe Christian traditions, Advent is a special season that begins on Dec. 1 and lasts until Dec. 24, leading up to the celebration of Jesus Christ’s birth at Christmas. As ...

Advent candles. (photo: Kara Monroe via Flickr / (CC BY-NC-SA 2.0)) ... Gaudete Sunday is a day for rejoicing and joy as the faithful draw near to the birth of Jesus, ...

Typically, three of the four Advent candles are purple—the first, second and fourth ones. The first candle, or "Prophet's Candle," symbolizes hope. The color means royalty, repentance and fasting.

On Gaudete Sunday, which is the third Sunday of Advent, a rose colored candle is illuminated. “Christmas and the Advent season, I think, are so different from Lent principally because they have ...

On the third Sunday of Advent, it is traditional to celebrate Joy with the “Shepherds” candle. This third Sunday is also called Gaudete Sunday, and a literal translation here is to “rejoice.” ...

Advent candles are lit in the festive season to signal the coming of Christ. ... Even better, lighting advent candles, symbolises drawing nearer to the birth of Christ.

If you've never used an Advent wreath and candles before, we'll explain their meaning, colors, and how it all started. The wreath itself is a symbol, and each of the candles has its own distinct ...

This third Advent candle represents the joy that the shepherds felt when they found out about the coming of the Messiah. It is also known as the "Shepherd's Candle." White Candles.