“To celebrate Advent means: to become Marian, to enter into that communion with Mary’s ‘Yes,’ which, ever anew, is room for God’s birth, for the ‘fullness of time,’” said Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI. Advent is a Marian time in many ways, from preparing for Jesus’ birth to celebrating feasts such as the Immaculate Conception.

The Advent wreath has deep origins extending back to pre-Christian customs of burning candles during the darkest months of winter. Medieval Christians retained the custom while seeing such lights as a symbol of Christ.