advent wreath

  • Advent and the Body Part 3: Joy

    ByChris Tarantino

    This week, we change pace a little. As opposed to a violet candle, we light a “rose” colored candle. This candle, the Shepherd’s candle, represents joy. This past Sunday also had a special name: Gaudete Sunday. “Gaudete” means “rejoice” and comes from the introit, “Gaudete in Domino semper: iterum dico, gaudete.” (Rejoice in the Lord always; again I say, rejoice.) So why, when in the midst of a season of waiting, should we rejoice two weeks before Christmas?

  • Advent and the Body Part 1: Hope

    ByChris Tarantino

    With Thanksgiving behind us, we turn our attention towards Christmas. We call this season of anticipation for the coming of Our Lord in the Incarnation, “Advent.” Advent begins four Sundays before Christmas, with each Sunday having its own theme represented by one of the four candles on the Advent wreath. Starting on the first Sunday of Advent, we light the first violet “Prophet’s Candle,” which symbolizes Hope.