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The season of Advent always begins on the fourth Sunday before Christmas Day, which is usually the last Sunday in November, but occasionally the first Sunday in December depending on the calendar that year. In the western churches this marks the beginning of the new church year (Eastern Orthodox churches start their new church year on 1st September). (Return to Top)
As with Lent (which is also a season of expectant waiting for Easter) the church celebrates the season of Advent with austerity, self reflection, fasting, and study. Study, may be done on one's own, eg: reading a suitable book, or it can be done together by attending a course with others, either on a single occasion or every week throughout the season of Advent. (Return to Top)
Austerity: It's usual to remove from the church all flowers and adornments during the whole season of advent.
Self-reflection and fasting: This is similar to the self-reflection during Lent and is a time for bringing to mind one's failure to keep God's laws and being sorry for it, except in Advent it also includes reflecting on our readiness for the promised period of judgment at the end of time. (Return to Top)