Advent

Four Sundays of preparation before Christmas. Purple, the Gloria rested, and a lighter hand on the whole service.

Four Sundays of preparation before Christmas. Purple, the Gloria rested, and a lighter hand on the whole service.

The colour

Purple marks the two preparatory seasons, Advent and Lent: penitence, restraint, waiting. Colour in Advent: purple.

What changes in the service

The Gloria in Excelsis is omitted through Advent and restored at Christmas.

SundayHQ calls this the advent shape. Applying it does not disturb your parish's own texts — it includes or omits the seasonal parts and leaves everything else where you put it.

Advent in Year A

Advent in Year B

Advent in Year C

Questions