Happy New Year and Merry Christmas! New Year in the Catholic liturgical calendar begins each year with the season of Advent.
Today is the first Sunday of Advent. We went to mass early and it was cold outside. There was this early morning breeze while we walked the distance from our house to the subdivision gate and from the tricycle terminal to the church. Advent season which begins today and ends on December 24 lets us prepare ourselves to receive God’s gift of Jesus. It is a time of “getting ready” for the celebration of Christmas.
The four candles represent the four Sundays in preparation for Christmas. The purple color has traditionally been the color symbolizing repentance and fasting.The first purple candle is the Candle of Hope, the second one is the Candle of Preparation while the fourth purple candle is the Candle of Love. The third candle which is lighted on Gaudete Sunday is called the Candle of Joy. Pink is a joyful color.
November is coming to a close, gently folding its leaves to welcome the cold December days. Ah, the joys of waiting for Christmas! The joys of waiting for the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Dreams And Escapes 
Blessings on your Advent season, Arlene! It’s such a lovely time of year!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes it is Kitty. Thanks 🙂
LikeLike
We’re almost ready for Advent, thanks to John. We took our guest to the airport, and John has been unpacking things since we got home. I wonder if he has found the Advent wreath yet. I’ve seen the candles for it. I wish I had his energy. This was a quick turn-around from Thanksgiving where we had pumpkins, turkeys, and autumn things for decoration. They will all be gone before I get up tomorrow. John gets about half the amount of sleep I need.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I don’t have an Advent wreath at home, That’s what I’ve been planning to have the past years. It goes with some prayers when you light the candles. Enjoy your preparation for Christmas Anne. I am sure it would be a lovely and a joyous one for you and your family.
LikeLiked by 1 person
You managed to get in your first Happy Christmas when it is still November, Arlene! I do enjoy how much you love that season.
Best wishes, Pete.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes Pete, my favorite season of the year.
LikeLike
Happy first day of advent. Christmas blessings to you and your family Arlene.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you so much Leslie 🙂
LikeLike
Beautiful post Arlene, thanks for the explanation of the candles, I knew the purple colour for this time, but never paid attention for the pink one, joy! Happy new year to you!
LikeLiked by 1 person
You’re welcome Elizabeth. Thanks too for your nice comments. Happy New Year 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
I guess you have two Elizabeths reading you! Glad to share this season with you.
LikeLiked by 1 person
So happy to share it with you too. Yes, I guess there are too of you. So glad to see you both here.
LikeLike
Waiting to Welcome Christmas. We plan to spend Christmas in a pilgrimage place in India, called Vailankani. Mother of Vailankani.
This season of Advent is the most Happiest in the Year, preparing for Christmas and welcoming our Jesus’s birth.
LikeLiked by 1 person
That’s nice to know Cattie. It must be wonderful to spend Christmas in a pilgrimage site.
LikeLike
I learned something. I have seen the 4 candles and now I know why there are 4.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes, there are four of them Donna. They have those wonderful meanings about the season of Advent.
LikeLike
Lovely post. I’m excited about Christmas this year. Perhaps because I have cut back on what I am going to do and buy, and have most of the preparations finished or underway…no it’s on to playing and singing-along to the Christmas CD’s, enjoying the decorations, and watching all the old classic movies.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you. Christmas is a lovely season of the year. I always look forward to it. I love listening to Christmas carols too.
LikeLiked by 1 person