Advent marks the beginning of the Christian year and the four Sundays leading up to Christmas. It is a time of waiting and preparation, as Christians look forward to celebrating the birth of Jesus. Advent also points to the Christian hope that Christ will come again.
The First Sunday of Advent is a particularly popular day to attend church in Finland. Many people gather to sing Hoosianna, a joyful hymn that has become a much-loved part of Finnish Advent traditions. The first Advent candle is lit, and another candle is added on each of the following Sundays.
As Christmas approaches, local parishes organise services, concerts and carol-singing events. These offer opportunities to pause, share music and prepare for the festive season.
Advent combines joyful expectation with reflection on the meaning of Christmas: the Christian belief that God comes close to the world in Jesus Christ.