The four Sundays of Advent: a journey towards Christmas

The Sundays of Advent mark an important period in the Christian liturgical calendar. This period of spiritual preparation precedes Christmas and invites the faithful to meditate, pray and refocus on the expectation of Christ. In this article, we invite you to rediscover the meaning of Advent, the traditions that accompany it, and products dedicated to fully experiencing this journey towards the Nativity.

What is Advent? A period of spiritual preparation

The word ‘Advent’ comes from the Latin adventus, which means ‘coming’. Advent begins on the fourth Sunday before Christmas, which is the first Sunday after 26 November. It is a time of waiting and preparation for the coming of Christ, celebrated at Christmas, but also for his present presence in the Eucharist and his glorious return at the end of time (the Parousia).

During this period, the liturgical colour is purple, symbolising penance, except for the third Sunday (Gaudete), when pink expresses joy.

Advent Sundays are associated with the tradition of Christian Advent candles placed on a wreath. This custom, of Protestant origin, has been adopted in the Catholic Advent, symbolising the stages of the journey towards the light of Christmas.

Our Advent candles

Each Sunday, a new candle is lit on the wreath. Discover our different models:

• Set of 4 5 cm candles, illustrated with biblical scenes, made in Le Puy-en-Velay by Petit Page.
• Set of 4 ‘Christmas Eve’ scented candles, 7 cm tall, with a soft light and comforting fragrance.
• Set of 4 handmade 15 cm candles, depicting scenes from the Annunciation to the Nativity.
• 30 cm white Advent candle, for a strong symbolic presence during your times of prayer.

These candles can be placed on a wreath, an altar or used during family prayers. Combine them with our Christmas nativity scenes, Christian Advent calendars and religious objects for Advent.

The four Sundays of Advent: meditation, prayer and light

The four Sundays of Advent are much more than dates on the liturgical calendar: they are essential steps in preparing our hearts for the coming of the Saviour. Each Sunday brings new light, a spiritual dimension to explore. Together, they form an inner journey towards Christmas, marked by prayers, concrete actions and meditations. Here is how to fully experience this sacred time of waiting.

First Sunday of Advent: Hope

Theme: In a world marked by uncertainty, hope is the force that drives us to believe that God is at work, even when everything seems dark. This first lit candle pierces the darkness: it is the image of Christ who comes to enlighten our lives.

Gospel: ‘Watch, for you know neither the day nor the hour.’ (Matthew 25:13) This passage reminds us of the need to be vigilant, not to sink into routine or despair, but to wait actively, with our hearts turned towards the One who is coming.

Meditation: To live Christian hope is to choose trust despite difficulties. This Sunday, let us take the time to identify our deepest expectations: what do we hope for? For ourselves, for our family, for the world? Let us offer them to the Lord with faith.

Prayer:
Lord, on this first Sunday of Advent, kindle in me the flame of hope. May this light dispel my fears and doubts. Give me the strength to believe that even in the night, you come to visit me. Help me to remain awake and confident, awaiting your coming. Amen.

Spiritual gesture: Write an intention or a wish on a small piece of paper, then slip it under your Advent wreath. This gesture symbolises the offering of your hope to the Lord. You can also share this intention with your family during a time of prayer.

Second Sunday of Advent: Peace

Theme: ‘Prepare the way of the Lord, make straight his paths’ (Mark 1:3). The second Sunday invites us to welcome peace. This is not just the absence of conflict, but an inner peace, received from God, which radiates in our relationships.

Meditation: True peace comes from forgiveness and reconciliation. John the Baptist calls us to make room to welcome Jesus. This peace begins in the heart of each person: by getting rid of what oppresses us, our anger, our wounds, we allow God's love to work in us.

Prayer:
Lord, Prince of Peace, come and pacify my heart. Teach me to be reconciled with myself, with others, with you. May I be an instrument of your peace in my family, my work, my friendships. Break down my inner walls and let your peace reign in me. Amen.

Spiritual gesture: Think of someone with whom you are in conflict or whom you have neglected. Take time to pray for them. If possible, send them a message, give them a call or suggest a meeting. This gesture can be the beginning of a profound reconciliation.

Third Sunday of Advent: Joy (Gaudete Sunday)

Theme: Christian joy is a fruit of the Spirit. It does not depend on circumstances but on the certainty that God is near. The word ‘Gaudete’ means ‘Rejoice’ – because the coming of the Saviour is imminent.

Liturgical colour: Pink – unlike penitential purple, pink expresses the joy that blossoms in the heart of expectation. It is a luminous pause in the Advent journey, an invitation

Fourth Sunday of Advent: Love

Theme: Love is the culmination of our Advent journey. Mary, through her trusting ‘yes’, opens her heart to God's plan. She becomes the perfect model of acceptance and self-giving.

Meditation: Love is not just a feeling. It is a choice, an attitude of service and self-giving, in the image of Jesus. This Sunday invites us to welcome God's love, but also to pass it on to those around us through concrete actions.

Prayer:
Lord, on this last Sunday of Advent, make my heart like Mary's. Give me the grace to love without expecting anything in return, to serve with joy, to welcome your will with confidence. May your love transform my life and shine forth in my surroundings. Amen. Take some time to write a letter or message to someone who is important to you. Express your gratitude or affection. Also, carefully prepare the Christmas crib in your home. Each figurine placed there can be a silent prayer of love.

Advent prayer for the 4 Sundays

Lord Jesus,

You who came, who come every day and who will come again in glory, prepare our hearts during these four Sundays of Advent. Kindle in us hope, peace, joy and love.

Help us to live this holy season fully as a family, in prayer, silence and charity. May each lit candle be a light towards Christmas.

Come, Lord Jesus, and dwell in our lives.

Amen.

Conclusion: A journey towards Christmas in the light of faith

The Sundays of Advent are a path to inner reflection. Light each candle with faith and love. Live this time of waiting in prayer, silence and joy. And to enrich your journey, discover all our religious gifts for Christmas and Christian items for Advent.

FAQ: Everything you need to know about Advent Sundays