THE FOUR WEEKS OF ADVENT Merriam-Webster defines Advent as: Definition of Advent 1: the period beginning four Sundays before Christmas and observed by some Christians as a season of prayer and fasting 2a: the coming of Christ at the Incarnation 2b: SECOND COMING You see before you what is known as the Advent wreath, and is thus explained: On it, you will see 5 candles; 3 purple, one pink and one white. The four candles on the Advent wreath represent Hope, Peace, Joy and Love.