Third Sunday of Advent (11/12)

Advent (from the Latin adventus — coming), which lasts approximately four weeks, — is the period before Christmas, to which numerous rituals and customs are timed.

All Sundays of Advent are significant holidays, and the first of them is considered the beginning of a new liturgical (church) year.

The third Sunday of Advent is preceded by the first and second Sundays, which are filled with appropriate customs. On the third Sunday of Advent, the first two candles are lit and the third candle — is attached to the Shepherd Candle.

The Shepherds' candle signifies the coming of the Savior into hearts through faith in His holy Word.

Just as the shepherds saw the Savior with their own eyes and believed, so we see Him through the eyes of faith. The candle also symbolizes how we share our faith in Christ, like the shepherds who told everyone we met about Christ.

In Western Christian countries, the flowers of Advent are considered purple (purple, purple); decorations in churches and around churches, as well as the robes of clergy, are usually performed in such colors. Residents' houses are also designed in calm shades of purple.

But on the third Sunday of Advent, decorations in pink are allowed. The Shepherd Candle can also be pink.

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