On Christmas Eve, the white candle at the centre, known as the Christ Candle, is lit to remind us that Jesus, who is the Light of the world, John 8:12, has come.

The first four weeks of the church year are called Advent. This year, Advent begins on Sunday and runs through Dec. 24 or Christmas Eve. These are days we devote to preparing for Christmas.

The word "Christmas" is 1,000 years old, and it means "Christ’s Mass." The name reminds us that the worship service, or Mass, on Dec. 25 is meant to celebrate the birth of Christ.

“They learn about preparing the manger of their heart for Christmas and not filling it with material things,” he said. Music plays an important part in this series too.