Ahead of Christmas and during a period commonly referred to in the Christian church calendar as 'Advent' - a period of preparation to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ as well his Second Coming - the Archdiocese of Bombay has launched its very first Instagram filter called 'Advent Wreath'.

Uploaded on Instagram earlier this week, the animated filter created by @archbombay can be used in the selfie mode. It has a wreath that appears around the user's face, and four candles at the bottom - each representing a certain spirit of Advent - such as hope, joy, peace and love. Once all the four candles light up one by one, the picture can be taken.