The First Sunday in Advent: The Start of the Christmas Season

Advent Wreaths

Christmas is for the kid in all of us!

On the first Sunday in Advent, in many traditional churches, the first candle of their Advent wreath is lit – often by a child.

Where did these wreaths come from?

Advent wreaths have their origins in the folk traditions of northern Europe. There in the deep of winter, people lit candles on wheel-shaped bundles of evergreen. Both the greens and the circular shape symbolized eternal life. The candlelight gave comfort at this darkest time of the year, as people looked forward to the coming of spring.

But what else happens on the first Sunday in Advent? You may be surprised!