The word Advent comes from the Latin word for "coming". Advent means "coming" in three senses: 1.) the coming of the baby Jesus 2000 years ago in Bethlehem, 2.) the coming of Christ today in the Word and sacraments, and 3.) His coming again at the end of time. Advent is a season of joyful expectation and preparation, and these themes predominate in the appointed lessons throughout the season.

BLUE

The color of the advent season is blue (or, in some churches, purple). Blue, like purple, is often a symbol of penitence, but it is also the color of hope. And, as the color honoring the Virgin Mary, blue reminds us that during Advent, the church waits with Mary for the birth of the baby Jesus.

Saint James Church keeps the ancient tradition of acknowledging the third Sunday in Advent as "Gaudette" Sunday. Gaudette means "Rejoice"; rejoice for, as John the Baptist says in the Gospel reading on that Sunday, "one who is more powerful than I is coming..." The color for Gaudette Sunday is rose.

THE ADVENT WREATH

Perhaps the most familiar symbol of Advent is the Advent Wreath. The circular wreath symbolizes our eternal life in Christ, and the four candles remind us that Christ is the light of the world.

Three of the candles in the Advent Wreath are blue, the color of the season of Advent. The candle that is lit on the third Sunday (Gaudette Sunday) is rose. On Christmas, a fifth candle, the white "Christ" candle, will be added in the center of the wreath.