Advent is the period of preparation starting on the Sunday nearest to Nov.  30 and continuing until the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ on Christmas (Dec.  25).  The date when Advent was first observed is uncertain, possibly as early as the 5th century.  Lutheran customs include adorning altars and pulpits in blue as a symbol of hope and expectation of the coming the Christ.  The Advent wreath bears four candles, one of which is lighted every Sunday until the Sunday before Christmas.