Advent is a season of four weeks including four Sundays. Advent derives from the Latin word Adventus, which means coming. The season proclaims the coming of the Christ whose birth we prepare to celebrate once again, who comes continually in Word and Spirit, and whose return in final victory we anticipate. Each year Advent calls the community of faith to prepare for these comings; historically, the season was marked by fasts for preparation. Each Sunday of Advent has its distinctive theme: Christ’s coming in final victory (First Sunday), John the Baptist (Second and Third Sundays), and the events immediately preceding the birth of Jesus Christ (Fourth Sunday). Each Sunday of Advent a candle is lighted along with a scripture reading. The purple candles represent repentance. The pink candle symbolizes joy. The white candle is the Christ candle lighted on Christmas day.