The Catholic Church of Corpus Christi in Roseville celebrated the beginning of the fourth week of Advent on Dec. 20.

In the week leading up to Christmas, the fourth Sunday of Advent sees the lighting of the fourth candle of the  Advent wreath. The final violet-colored candle is known as the “Angel’s Candle,” and serves as a reminder of the angel's message of “peace on Earth, goodwill toward men," according to Mercy Home. 

“As we enter into the expectation of the fourth week of Advent, spend some time with us in reflection. Notice where God is moving and working in your day. Soften your hearts and open your eyes to how you can be joy for others this day," the church said in a Facebook post on Dec. 20. 

The fourth Sunday of Advent typically has a Gospel reading that tells the story of a pregnant Mary visiting her cousin Elizabeth, who was also pregnant. Upon greeting Elizabeth, Elizabeth’s baby “leaped in her womb,” and filled its mother with the Holy Spirit as she realized that Mary’s baby was the Son of God, according to the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops. 

The word “Advent” comes from a Latin word meaning “coming,” although the meaning of Advent today typically encompasses what most consider the season of anticipating Christmas, according to Christianity.com. The early concept of Advent originated as a period of time for Christians to prepare for the baptisms of new Christians on the Epiphany.

 In addition to new baptisms, the Advent season also sees the celebration of the arrival of the Magi visiting baby Jesus, Jesus’ baptism in the Jordan River, and Jesus’ first miracle at the wedding in Cana. In the past, Christians sometimes used the Advent season as a 40-day period of fasting and prayer and was not specifically linked to Christ’s birth at Christmas until the Middle Ages, according to Christianity.com.