The candles are lit each Sunday. On the first Sunday of Advent, one purple candle is lit; the second, two purple candles; the third, two purple candles and the pink candle; and finally, all four ...

On the second Sunday, a candle is lit to celebrate faith. This is based on the everlasting love of God, and it is also commonly referred to as the “Bethlehem” candle.

Advent, which begins today, starts with the anticipation of Christ’s Second Coming, but then changes to focus on Jesus’ birth.

User’s Guide to the Second Sunday of Advent. Sunday, Dec. 10, is the Second Sunday of Advent. Mass readings: Isaiah 40:1-5, 9-11; Psalm 85:9-10-11-12, 13-14; 2 Peter 3:8-14; Mark 1:1-8. The ...