Symbols explain essence of Advent season

What is Advent?
Advent is a period of preparation for Christmas celebrated in many Christian faith traditions. Signaling the beginning of the church year in most Western church traditions, as well as the beginning of the Christmas season, Advent begins on the fourth Sunday before Christmas — this year, it beganNov. 30 — and ends on Christmas Eve. A number of churches in Columbia, including those in the Lutheran, Catholic, Methodist and Presbyterian traditions, celebrate Advent with special services, prayers, hymns, decorations and other activities during the four weeks leading up to Christmas.