While Christmas itself wasn't recognized as an official holiday in America until 1870, the holiday is rooted in an event that occurred two thousand years ago. In fulfillment of prophecy and through immaculate conception, a virgin gave birth to a child in a lowly manger in Bethlehem. This child would eventually die to save mankind from its own sins. The child was Jesus Christ, the son of God, and with his coming, Christianity was born as well. For Christians, the celebration begins with the season of Advent.
Advent is the beginning of the Church Year for most churches in the Western tradition.
A candle is lit each Sunday during Advent. The first is for Hope, the second is for Peace, the third for Joy and fourth for Love. Often, the candles are part of the Advent wreath. The wreath is circular to remind Christians of God himself and his endless mercy, which has no beginning and no end. The colors of the candles vary, but are usually green, red, white and purple or blue.