Holy Season of Advent Beings

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As the holy season of advent begins on Dec. 3, the Christians community in the Thane city yields to the Christmas spirit, nearly three weeks ahead of the celebrations of the birth of Jesus.

"There are four weeks in Advent, starting from December 3, which is the first Sunday of Advent. We believe this period is meant for the preparation of Christ's birth. In this holy season, one needs to donate and ask forgiveness for one's sins," Jillian Jaitely, a resident of Pokhran Road 1 told TOI.

The significance of the season of Advent can be understood by unwrapping the meaning of specific colors of candles of Advent, each one lit on every Sunday.

"On the first Sunday we light a purple candle also referred to as the candle of hope. The second one is purple as well which symbolizes faith. A rose-colored candle is lit on the third Sunday as it is the color of joy, denoting that Christmas is nearing. The last candle is again purple, indicating the last few days before the birth of Christ. A white candle is lit on Christmas day signifying purity and peace," Alaine Rebello, a city resident told TOI.