Start of Advent

[CelticSword]

I guess this forum is as good a place as any to ask. When does Advent begin? Is it always the fourth Sunday before Christmas–or is it 4 weeks (28 days) before Christmas? If it’s 4 weeks, then it should be now, but I’m not seeing any wreaths. On the other hand, if it’s four Sundays, that would mean this upcoming Sunday, the 3rd. But then the 4th candle won’t be lit until Christmas Eve…

Can anyone clear this up for me?

 

[Em_in_FL]

I guess this forum is as good a place as any to ask. When does Advent begin? Is it always the fourth Sunday before Christmas–or is it 4 weeks (28 days) before Christmas? If it’s 4 weeks, then it should be now, but I’m not seeing any wreaths. On the other hand, if it’s four Sundays, that would mean this upcoming Sunday, the 3rd. But then the 4th candle won’t be lit until Christmas Eve…

Can anyone clear this up for me?

The First Sunday of Advent is December 3rd this year…
Advent always begins on a Sunday… and yes, the 4th Sunday of Advent is Christmas Eve.

HTH!

 

[Fidelis]

Advent begins on the Sunday closest to the Feast of St. Andrew the Apostle (Nov. 30). It spans four Sundays and four weeks of preparation, although the last week of Advent is usually truncated because of when Christmas falls. (For instance, this year, the fourth Sunday of Advent is obviously on Sunday, and then that evening is Christmas Eve.)

 

[drforjc]

Liturgically, doesn’t Advent begin with First Vespers of the First Sunday in Advent? (This would actually be Saturday evening)