Two snow-white candles flickered in an evergreen wreath Sunday morning symbolizing that two weeks of Advent have taken place - a pink and white candle remained untouched by flames.
The season of Advent marks the month before Christmas and the Christian church new year as is represented by the purple pendants and advent wreath at St. John Catholic Student Parish, 327 M.A.C. Ave.
During the season, Christians reflect on the historical life of Jesus, his future return and his current presence on Earth.
"The purpose we use Advent for is to prepare the heart and mind for the celebration of Christ's birth," said Terry Ferguson, minister at the University Christian Church, 310 N. Hagadorn Road.
Advent is marked by acts of goodwill and celebrates Jesus' message of love and charity, said Father Mark Inglot of St. John Catholic Student Parish.
"During Advent people help people with greater need because we know we're supposed to be Christ to those people," Inglot said. "Like with shepherds - they were outcasts in society, they smelled, but he first came to them."
The history of Advent dates back to the third or fourth century, Inglot said. Originally, a Pagan feast took place in honor of the unconquerable sun because they believed Dec. 25 marked the lengthening of the daylight and the defeat of the dark.
In order to convert the Pagans to Christianity, the church placed Jesus' birthday in December, and re-named the festival the feast of the unconquered son, Inglot said.
Ferguson said while passages in the Bible can be related to the spirit of Advent, the scriptures do not denote the celebration of the holiday season.
The focus on the kindness of Jesus is helpful during the hectic holiday season, said music education senior Kara Dombroski.
"It's a stressful time with shopping and finals," she said. "It's good to have a time when you're calm and focused and happy."
Advent wreaths and calendars are the most common symbols of the season of Advent.
Evergreen branches shaped in a circle represent the eternal spirit of Jesus. Candles and light decorations also are symbols of the season.
"People don't realize they light their homes to symbolize the light of Christ during the darker times of the year," Inglot said.
The calendars represent the commercialization of religious holidays, but also can contain a spiritual message - when a person opens the doors, it represents opening their hearts to God, Inglot said.
Advent also is the church's new year, but Inglot said more people consider Lent the season of reform, rather than the month before Christmas.
However, Dombroski said many people have spiritual New Year's resolutions because the season is a time to start anew.
Advent is primarily celebrated in the home, Inglot said. Although the church blesses the wreath and lights the candles, some parishioners choose to say additional prayers at home.
"Advent is a short season and competes with secular celebration of Christmas," Inglot said. "Hopefully it helps us to focus on the spirit of Christmas - Jesus is the reason for the season."
