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First Sunday of Advent

Light the first candle this Advent Sunday! Immerse in the joy and anticipation heralding the arrival of Christmas season.

Sunday

November 2026

Last updated February 7, 2026 · by the Holiday Calendar Team

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YEARLY DATESunday On-Or-After November 27

OBSERVED INInternationally

CATEGORYReligion

SUBCATEGORYChristian

INTRO

Introduction

PHOTO

Ignite the spirit of the holiday season on the First Sunday of Advent which falls this year on December 3! This beloved tradition marks the beginning of the liturgical year in many churches and has been celebrated since at least the 4th century. On this exciting day, families and congregations light the first of their Advent candles, symbolizing hope and expectation. The warm, radiant glow of the candle serves as a visual reminder of the light of Christ that is to come into the world with the birth of Jesus. It's an awe-inspiring start to a deeply spiritual month of joyful anticipation, so let's light up our candles with thankful hearts, and celebrate the beautiful season of Advent together!

TIMELINE

First Sunday of Advent Timeline

St. Benedict Observances

St. Benedict recommends the observance of Advent in his Rule, written around AD 520, suggesting the tradition was well established by this time.

Pope Gregory’s Sermons

Pope Gregory the Great delivers sermons reflecting upon the season of Advent, deeply influencing the liturgical practices related to it.

Advent Wreath in Germany

The tradition of the Advent wreath began among German Lutherans in the 16th century. The Advent candles were traditionally lit in homes on each Sunday leading up to Christmas.

Johann Hinrich Wichern

German Lutheran Pastor Johann Hinrich Wichern popularizes the modern Advent wreath with four red candles for the Sundays and one white candle for Christmas Eve or Day.

Advent Wreaths in Churches

Around the 1930s, the use of Advent wreaths spread to Christian churches in the United States, marking the beginning of the Advent season.

Current Observances

The tradition continues with Christians worldwide observing the First Sunday of Advent, lighting the first candle to symbolize hope and expectation of Jesus Christ's birth.

GET INVOLVED

How to Celebrate First Sunday of Advent

Create your own Advent wreath

The advent wreath is a central symbol of this season. You can purchase one, or better yet, create your own. Gather evergreen branches, four candles (three purple and one pink), and a white Christ candle to be lit on Christmas. Arrange the greens in a circle and set the candles within. Light the first purple candle today - this signifies hope.

READ

Read an Advent devotion

Begin your day with a moment of reflection by reading a daily Advent devotion. This can help focus your mind and heart on the true meaning of Advent and Christmas.

ATTEND

Attend an Advent service

Visit your local church and attend an Advent service. This can be a deeply moving experience as the congregation together anticipates the birth of Christ.

START

Start a charitable tradition

Advent is a time to prepare our hearts for Christmas but also to reflect on our blessings and show compassion to others. Consider starting a new tradition of donating to a charity or volunteering your time during this season.

HOST

Host a candlelit dinner

End the first Sunday of Advent by gathering your loved ones for a candlelit dinner. Light only candles and turn off modern lighting, creating a silent and peaceful atmosphere reminding the era before electric lights. This type of gathering reinforces the slow, anticipatory nature of Advent, symbolizing the world waiting in darkness for the light of Christ.

WHY THIS DAY MATTERS

Why First Sunday of Advent is Important

It Creates a Warm, Peaceful Atmosphere

The First Sunday of Advent reminds us of the beauty of simplicity, as symbolized by the warm glow of the Advent candles. Hosting a candlelit dinner, in particular, is a beautiful tradition to signify the quiet and peaceful nature of the season. We love this day because it reinforces serenity and unity among loved ones, all while waiting in hopeful anticipation for Christmas.

It Signifies the Beginning of the Christmas Season

The First Sunday of Advent is special to us because it marks the start of the Christmas season. As we light the first Advent candle, we are filling our hearts with hope and expectation for the joyous celebration that is to come. It's an exciting time that truly kickstarts the festive spirit!

It Encourages Reflection and Charity

Advent is a time for reflection on the true meaning of Christmas and expressing gratitude for our blessings. This is perfectly incorporated into the First Sunday of Advent, where we are encouraged to consider starting a charitable tradition. This aspect of giving back adds another layer to why we highly regard this day.