During the liturgical season of Advent, many churches opt to display an Advent wreath as a way to mark the days and weeks leading up to Christmas and the birth of Jesus Christ. But what is an Advent ...

For many people who observe Christian traditions, Advent is a special season that begins on Dec. 1 and lasts until Dec. 24, leading up to the celebration of Jesus Christ’s birth at Christmas. As the ...

VATICAN CITY – Pope Benedict XVI carried a tall, lit candle symbolizing Christian hope into a dramatically darkened St. Peter's Basilica packed with faithful Saturday night in the traditional start of ...

Candles in the church always signify the light of Christ, said the Rev. Robert Grosch, priest at St. Patrick’s Co-Cathedral. Even as candles bring light in dark places, so, too, does Jesus Christ ...

Wreaths are the centerpiece of a ritual popular with many Christian denominations. December is the month when the Northern Hemisphere grows dark, and throughout history people have sought the light ...

A: I’m so glad you asked! I didn’t grow up in an Advent church either and was slightly afraid of it, truth be told. Colored candles? Readings and symbols? Is this some kind of pagan ritual that begins ...

The first candle of the Advent wreath is known in some traditions as the “hope candle” or the “prophet’s candle.” It reminds us of the prophets of Israel who looked forward to God doing something new ...