ADVENT

THE SEASON OF Advent

The word “Advent” comes from the Latin adventus, which means “coming” or “arrival.” As a season of the church year, Advent is the four weeks before Christmas that prepares us to celebrate the Nativity, the birth of Christ, on December 25. Advent has a double spiritual meaning. While we are anticipating the arrival of the birth of Jesus, we are also anticipating God’s final coming, when the dead will be raised and God’s kingdom will be realized. Churches using the Revised Common Lectionary will find both themes present in the lessons during the season of Advent.