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What Is Advent? All About Advent
What Is Advent?
Advent is a season in the Christian liturgical calendar that marks the beginning of the Church year. It is a time of preparation and anticipation leading up to the celebration of Christmas, or the anniversary of Jesus' birth. It is also a time to prepare for Jesus' Second Coming. The Scripture readings during Advent instruct us to be alert and ready for when we meet Jesus at the end of time.
Advent starts on the fourth Sunday before Christmas and lasts until Christmas Eve, which is December 24th.
Advent is a time to prepare spiritually to celebrate Jesus Christ's birth. It emphasizes reflection, repentance, and renewal as Christians await Christ's coming.
Many people use Advent calendars, Advent wreaths, and Nativity scenes to countdown the days of Advent.
Advent also involves an aspect of penance, inviting us to prepare, quiet, and discipline our hearts to fully embrace the joy of Christmas.
What Does "Advent" Mean?
The word "Advent" comes from the Latin term "ad-venire" meaning "to come to," or "arrival."
In Christian tradition, it refers to the anticipation and preparation for the coming (or arrival) of Jesus Christ, both as a remembrance of his birth in Bethlehem and as an anticipation of his Second Coming.
Is Advent Only a Catholic Thing?
No, Advent is not only a Catholic tradition. The season is observed by many Christian denominations. While the practice of Advent is particularly prominent in the Catholic Church, it is also celebrated by various Protestant denominations and some Orthodox Christians.
Ideas for What to Do for Advent
There are many things you can do for Advent. The purpose of Advent traditions is to create a sense of anticipation, reflection, and preparation for the celebration of Christmas. If you want to come up with some things you can do for Advent, think about Advent's themes of hope, peace, joy, and love.
If you're wondering what to do for Advent, below are just a few ideas to consider!
Need an Advent Plan? Join Ascension this Advent!
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