Scripture readings, prayer and reflection are integral to Advent. Some people light candles on an Advent wreath. For others, Advent is celebrated as a faith community with long-standing traditions.

Hope: The first candle, often called the Prophet's Candle, symbolizes hope, ... Many Christians also participate in daily or weekly Scripture readings and prayers during Advent, ...

Judgment and hope are the hallmarks of Advent. Not fire-and-brimstone, God’ll-get-you condemnation nor pie-in-the-sky, cross-your-fingers optimism; rather, the judgment necessary to set right a world ...

Scripture scholars Barbara Reid, O.P., and Victor Cancino, S.J. join host Ricardo da Silva, S.J. to discuss how preachers can help Catholics enter into the Advent season—even as the world around ...

More: Scripture / Advent Thomas J. Reese Previously he was a columnist at The National Catholic Reporter (2015-17) and an associate editor (1978-85) and editor in chief (1998-2005) of America.

Yet, as Warren points out in “Advent: The Season Of Hope” ($20.99 in hardcover from InterVarsity Press; also for Amazon Kindle), Christians believe “not just in one coming of Christ but in ...

Living this Advent liturgy forms Christians to persevere through the sorrow of violence and rejoice in the hope for peace, says Cameron Partridge, at St. Aidan's in San Francisco.

There is a method to the mystery of Advent. As each week of Advent progresses, the Scriptures—and the hymns—turn from somber to joyful. They become lighter, happier, and full of hope.

Candy filled Advent calendars are fun, but a traditional Advent practice before and after Christmas can deepen the experience of the holiday season. Want to make this holiday season more meaningful?