Church Year
What Is Advent?
Advent is the season of preparation for Christmas. Here is everything you need to know about the season, its traditions, and its meaning.
Quick answer
Church Near Me explains Advent — the four-week season before Christmas when churches prepare with Advent wreaths, carol services and special readings. Advent begins on the fourth Sunday before Christmas Day and marks the start of the Christian year.
What Does Advent Mean?
The word Advent comes from the Latin adventus, meaning "coming." The season prepares Christians for the coming of Jesus Christ — both his birth at Christmas and his future return. Advent is a season of joyful anticipation and quiet reflection. The liturgical colour is purple (or blue in some Anglican traditions), symbolising royalty and penitence.
Advent Dates
| Year | Advent Starts | Christmas Eve |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | Sunday 29 November | Thursday 24 December |
| 2027 | Sunday 28 November | Friday 24 December |
| 2028 | Sunday 3 December | Sunday 24 December |
The Four Sundays of Advent
First Sunday
Hope
Readings about the promised coming of a Messiah and the call to watch and wait.
Second Sunday
Peace
Readings from the prophets and John the Baptist, preparing the way of the Lord.
Third Sunday
Joy (Gaudete)
The rose candle is lit. Gaudete means 'Rejoice' — the halfway point of Advent, celebrated with lightened solemnity.
Fourth Sunday
Love
Readings focus on the annunciation and Mary's 'yes' to God.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does Advent start in 2026?
Advent 2026 begins on Sunday 29 November 2026. Advent always starts on the Sunday nearest to 30 November — the fourth Sunday before Christmas Day.
How many Sundays are in Advent?
Advent always has four Sundays. Each Sunday is associated with a traditional theme: Hope, Peace, Joy and Love.
What is an Advent wreath?
An Advent wreath is a circular wreath of evergreen branches holding four candles — three purple (or blue) and one rose (pink) — plus a central white Christ candle lit on Christmas Day. One candle is lit each Sunday of Advent.
What is Advent Sunday?
Advent Sunday is the first Sunday of Advent and marks the beginning of the liturgical new year in Catholic, Anglican and many Protestant churches.
What is the difference between Advent and Christmas?
Advent is the four-week season of preparation that precedes Christmas. Christmas begins on Christmas Day and lasts twelve days (until Epiphany on 6 January). Advent is characterised by expectation; Christmas by celebration.