Advent at the End of 2025

In the Christian tradition, Advent is a season of preparation and anticipation of the Birth of Christ, beginning four weeks before Christmas. On the first Sunday of Advent, during the Sunday service, the first candle was lit — the Candle of Prophecy, or the Candle of Hope. It reminds us of the Old Testament prophecies concerning the coming of the Savior, their fulfillment in the birth of Christ, His presence in the hearts of believers through faith, and the expectation of His glorious return.

On the second Sunday of Advent, the church lit the Bethlehem Candle — a symbol of faith. It draws attention to the journey of Mary and Joseph to Bethlehem and reminds us that the story of salvation unfolds in God’s perfect timing. The four Advent candles, lit one by one, help us reflect on the gradual approach to the birth of Christ as the culmination of God’s plan.

On the third Sunday of Advent, the Shepherds’ Candle, also known as the Candle of Joy, was lit. It reminds us of the shepherds who were the first to hear the good news of Jesus’ birth and receive it in faith. This Sunday, known as Gaudete (“Rejoice”), emphasizes the joy of awaiting the Savior and calls us to behold Christ through the eyes of faith.

On the fourth Sunday of Advent, during the festive service, the Angels’ Candle, also called the Candle of Love, was lit. It symbolizes the angelic proclamation of the Savior’s birth and reminds us of the hope of His second coming. On this day, the Christmas episode “Holy Night” from The Chosen series was also shown, helping to reflect more deeply on the event of Christ’s birth through the stories of Mary, Joseph, and the shepherds, and to prepare hearts for the celebration.