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. The light of the candles reminds Christians of their belief that Jesus is the light of the world, and brings newness, life and hope to their lives.
Wreaths also adorn doors and windows in many homes.
They were originally used in ancient Rome as a sign of victory. Christmas is a highly anticipated time of the year in many churches. Choirs practice seasonal hymns praising the birth of the child and church youth groups plan Christmas pageants reenacting the scene in the manger and the reactions of those who came to see the Christ Child. Christmas is practiced worldwide and the legends of many cultures have contributed to the commercial side of Christmas. The legend concerns the story of a poor boy named Pablo who was going to visit the nativity scene in his church when he realized he had nothing to offer the Christ Child.