Advent begins with hope in the Lord

"All our hope must be placed in the Lord, because He is the one true God who created us with eternal love and redeemed us by sending His own Son, Jesus Christ, true God and true Man, 

who suffered and died for our salvation."  Sister Lucia of Fatima

Advent begins a season of prayer, penance and sacrifice in anticipation of the coming of Our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. The Advent wreath is the sign of our faith in this truth. The four candles that are lit over the four weeks of Advent each represent 1,000 years, which together add up to the 4,000 years that humanity awaited it's salvation, from the time of Adam and Eve to the birth of Jesus.

Christmas is celebrated during the darkest time of the year, so the contrast of the Light of Christ is even more brilliant on the earth. As we light a new candle each week, we dispel the darkness, making way for His coming into the world.  Our prayers and sacrifices throughout the Advent season help shine His light where there is none.