For children, Christmas cannot come quickly enough. For adults, responsible for all the preparations, it can rush upon us. But what is Christmas really about?

The Church tells us that Advent is the season of “devout and expectant delight”. While children anticipate the gifts and goodies, our own anticipation is for the saving power of God to enter into our lives (once again) with the coming of the Christ. Isaiah foretold: “the people who walked in darkness have seen a great light.”

Advent is an opportunity for us to pay attention and to wait with anticipation for the liberation and redemption and restoration promised with the coming of the Savior. This is a period of preparation, intended to give us a space and time to focus our spiritual attention on what matters most as we approach Christmas.

Advent marks the beginning of the liturgical year, a cycle of remembering all that God has done to redeem and restore us to communion with God and with each other. The four Sundays of Advent highlight our desire and longing for peace, justice and unity.

Infographics

• What is Advent?
• Advent Symbols
• Messages for Advent
• Advent Wreath
• Manger Scene
• Advent Activities
• Countdown to Christmas
• Christmas Tree
• More Advent Prayers and Practices

Adviento

Infografias

• ¿Qué es el Adviento?
• Símbolos de Adviento
• Corona de Adviento
• Escena del Pesebre
• Cuenta Regresiva hacia la Navidad
• Arbol De Navidad

Beginning the Church’s liturgical year, Advent (from, “ad-venire” in Latin or “to come to”) is the season encompassing the four Sundays (and weekdays) leading up to the celebration of Christmas.

Resources

• Sacred Advent Retreat
• Advent Activities
• USCCB Advent Calendar

Reflections

• Music and Advent
• A Child is born to us
• Prepare and wait in devout and expectant delight
• Advent and the dance of love