Advent

A D V E N T
Advent, which comes from Latin word for ,,arrival" or ,,coming" is a period of preparation for the birth of our Lord.
Advent begins four Sundays before Christmas and is the start of the Christmas season, which last through the Baptism of Our Lord.
The first Sunday of Advent also marks the beginning of the liturgical year, the Church ,,New Year Day" at which time we change the cycle of readings we are using at Mass.
Advent is a time of joyous anticipation, but also of penance and praparation for the great Christmas feast.
The liturgical color of the season is purple, a sign of penance, which is also used during Lent.
The Church discourages exessive ornamentation, boisterous music and even weddings during Advent, in order to foster a sense of quite hope.