The season of Advent is commonly considered the four weeks leading up to Christmas week and Christmas Sunday. There are four Sundays in Advent, with the fourth being the Sunday before Christmas Sunday. A purple candle is lit on the first, second and fourth Sundays of Advent. Purple is traditionally the sanctuary color during Advent, representing the fasting, penitence and contemplation that comes in anticipation of Christmas and the welcoming of the messiah.

Many churches use a rose candle on the third Sunday in Advent to signal the approaching end of the fasting and the emphasis on the celebration to come. In modern times, especially in Protestant churches, there has been a shift towards more focus on hope during the season of Advent, and preparations for the coming of Christ. Anticipatory words associated with this season, and tied to the lighting of the candles, are "Prepare", "Watch", "Behold!" and "Rejoice".