Advent Resources

The Meaning of 'Advent'

Advent marks the start of the Christian year. It is the four weeks before Christmas, beginning on November 30 or the nearest Sunday to it. This is the Church's New Year's Day.

The word Advent comes from the Latin 'adventus' which means 'arrival' or 'coming'. This is the time for Christians to prepare for celebration of the birth of Jesus and look forward to the time that Jesus will come again.

Resources to download

• Click on the PDF documents to download resources to use at home.
• The orange represents the world.
• The candle reminds Christians of Jesus who they believe to be the light of the world – The foil is only there to catch waxy drips from the candle!
• The red ribbon goes all round the 'world' and being the colour of blood, reminds Christians that Jesus died.
• The four cocktail sticks could have either of two meanings; the four seasons or the four corners of the world.
• The sweets (or sometimes dried fruit) remind Christians of God's gifts to the world including kindness and love.