
Advent is the first season of the Church year, lasting the four weeks leading up to Christmas Day on December 25. “Advent” comes from the Latin adventus, meaning “coming or arrival.” Used by the Church, the word refers to two arrivals: the “arrival” of Jesus Christ when he was born on the original Christmas Day AND the upcoming “arrival” of Jesus Christ when, as Christians believe, he will return to judge the living and the dead.
So, the season of Advent is a season of preparation and waiting:
Just as the Israelites awaited a Messiah to fulfill God’s promises, so Christians await the return of Jesus the Messiah to make all things new.
Church Calendar Image: Christ the Redeemer Anglican Church
So, the season of Advent is a season of preparation and waiting:
- first for Christ’s second coming to judge the living and the dead (2 Pet 3:11-14; 1 John 3:2-3), but also
- to celebrate Christ’s first arrival at Christmas.
Just as the Israelites awaited a Messiah to fulfill God’s promises, so Christians await the return of Jesus the Messiah to make all things new.
Church Calendar Image: Christ the Redeemer Anglican Church
Lean into Advent,
the Season of Hope!
Try this: Set an extra place at your table as you would prepare for a guest and anticipate the coming of Christ! Click any of the following for more ways to participate in Advent.
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