Reflections

The Advent Wreath

Purple candles signify prayer, penance, and preparation for Christ's coming. In the past, Advent was called a "little Lent," which explains the color purple, associated with repentance.

As Lent prepares Christians for Christ's resurrection at Easter, Advent serves as a time of preparation for both Christ's birth at Christmas and, in the first two weeks, reflects on His future coming. 

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Follow this link for an Advent Reflection from Father Bill Keown, our pastor, and this link for Archbishop Lori's 2025 Advent Message.

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From the Order of Prayer in the Liturgy of the Hours and Celebration of the Eucharist 2026 (Ordo), Archdioceses of Baltimore, Washington, DC, and the Diocese of Wilmington:

"Advent has a two-fold character, for it is a time of preparation for the Solemnities of Christmas, in which the First Coming of the Son of God to humanity is remembered , and likewise a time when, by remembrance of this, minds and hearts are led to look forward to Christ's Second Coming at the end of time. For these two reasons, Advent is a period of devout and expectant delight" (Universal Norms for the Liturgical Year and the Calendar [henceforth, Universal Norms], 39)