In Christianity, Advent refers to the period of four weeks leading up to Christmas. It begins on the Sunday closest to November 30 (St. Andrew's Day) and ends on December 24.

Understanding the Context

It is a time of anticipation and preparation for the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ on Christmas Day. The Advent season is a four-week period in the Christian calendar that prepares people for Jesus Christ’s birth at Christmas, while also pointing ahead to his promised return. 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. If this is a medical emergency, call 911 immediately.

Key Insights

Copyright © 2026 AdventHealth. All rights reserved. Advent is the beginning of the liturgical year in Western Christianity. The name comes from Latin adventus ('coming; arrival'), translating the Greek parousia from the New Testament, originally referring to the Second Coming. Advent, (from Latin adventus, “coming”), in the Christian church calendar, the period of preparation for the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ at Christmas and also of preparation for the Second Coming of Christ.

Final Thoughts

Advent Season: What Is It, and How Is It Celebrated? - BibleProject As the days get shorter in many parts of the world, we enter a season of waiting and preparation. This liturgical season is Advent, in which we eagerly await the birth of Jesus. It is also the first season of the new liturgical year. In Advent, we are renewed with anticipation of the birth of Jesus. Christ the King.

Light of the World. Son of God.