Advent is taken from the Latin word adventus meaning "coming" and it marks the beginning of the church year. It starts on the fourth Sunday before Christmas Day, which is today and ends on Christmas Eve.
In the first week the theme is Hope. We light the first purple candle.
Father in heaven, we need the warmth of your love in our hearts and the light of your Word in our minds. Help us grow in our faith so that we will be prepared and filled with HOPE when Jesus comes.
