whereas it is certain that the Church of Rome kept the feast on that day at a much earlier period. We must look upon Advent in two different lights: first, as a time of preparation, properly so ...

Before the first candle is lighted ... these or similar words to introduce the blessing: In the short days and long nights of Advent, we realize how we are always needing salvation by our God.

Advent is four weeks long and marks the beginning of the Christian year. The first Sunday of Advent is always four Sundays before Christmas, which means it could be as early as 27 November.