Christmas

The fourth Sunday in Advent: the candle of love

The Fourth Sunday of Advent marks the final stage before the celebration of Christmas. At this point, believers are called to light the fourth candle in the Advent wreath, known as the Candle of Love. This light, often the last violet candle, symbolises divine love, a love without conditions, embodied in the birth of Jesus Christ. While the first three Sundays have allowed us to meditate on hope, peace and joy, this fourth Sunday calls us to open our hearts to welcome and share love. Read more...

The third Sunday in Advent: the candle of joy

The Third Sunday of Advent, also known as "Gaudete Sunday" (from the Latin gaudete, meaning "rejoice"), is a special moment in the Advent cycle. On this day, the third candle in the wreath, which is often pink, is lit, marking a joyful break in spiritual preparation. This candle is the Joy Candle. It symbolises the deep and lasting joy that the birth of Jesus brings to believers and to humanity as a whole. While the first two candles led us to reflect on hope and peace, the Third Sunday of Advent invites us to celebrate the joy of waiting and to savour the signs of the approaching light. Read more...

Second Sunday in Advent: the candle of peace

The Second Sunday of Advent marks a new stage in this period of spiritual preparation before Christmas. After the hope of the first Sunday, the emphasis is now on peace. On this day, the second candle in the Advent wreath is lit, often purple like the first, and is also called the "Candle of Peace". This light reminds us that Christmas is a time of peace and reconciliation, not only in the outside world but also in our personal and inner lives. Read more...

The first Sunday in Advent: the candle of hope

The first Sunday of Advent marks the beginning of a period of preparation and expectation. It is a time when, symbolically, the first candle in the Advent wreath is lit: the Candle of Hope. This first candle, often purple, represents the hope of a new beginning, recalling the expectation of the people of Israel for the coming of the Messiah. Read more...

Advent: a time of preparation and reflection before Christmas

Advent is an important period in the Christian calendar, marking a time of spiritual preparation and expectation before Christmas, the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ. The word "Advent" comes from the Latin adventus, meaning "coming" or "advent". In this context, it refers to the coming of the Messiah, announced in the Old Testament and awaited by believers. The season of Advent begins four Sundays before 25 December and therefore lasts around four weeks, although its length may vary slightly from one year to the next. It is a period dedicated to meditation, spiritual reflection, prayer, and good deeds, in order to prepare minds and hearts for the celebration of the Nativity. Read more...