Advent - "the coming" - refers to the four-week season of preparation for the coming of Jesus on Christmas Day and the anticipation of His coming again. Advent begins the Sunday nearest November 30 and continues until December 24. Advent is a time to pray, a time to wait, and a time to hope. Many observe this holy season by lighting candles each of the four Sundays in Advent. On the First Sunday of Advent, a purple (or blue) candle is lit to celebrate Hope, the inspiring and uplifting hope that Christ among us represents. On the Second Sunday of Advent, another purple (or blue) candle is lit to celebrate Peace, both the Prince of Peace himself and the promise of peace on Earth. On the Third Sunday of Advent, a pink candle is lit to celebrate Joy, the joy the shepherds received at hearing the news of Christ's birth, or the joy that God brings into our lives. As the coming of Christ draws near, the final purple (or blue) candle is lit on the Fourth Sunday of Advent to celebrate Love, both God's boundless love for us and our love for one another.