The British Academy

During Advent, Christians make preparations for the commemoration of Jesus’ birth on December 25.

Each of the four weeks symbolizes a different way in which believers perceive Christ: through the flesh, the Holy Spirit, death, and Christ’s judgment of the dead.

The Advent wreath, which consists of four candles anchored in a circle of evergreen branches, originated with German Lutherans; the tradition has been adopted by many churches and families.

At the beginning of each of the four weeks preceding Christmas, Christians light an Advent candle as they say a prayer.