advent
OTHER WORDS FOR advent
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MORE ABOUT THE SEASON OF ADVENT
What is Advent season?
Advent is the season before Christmas. In many branches of Christianity, Advent consists of the period starting four Sundays before Christmas.
Among Christians, Advent is typically considered a season of preparation for the celebration of Christmas that also commemorates the coming of Jesus. The word Advent can also refer to the coming of Jesus into the world (it can also refer to what’s known as Jesus’s Second Coming).
Religious rituals for Advent include the lighting of candles on an Advent wreath and the decoration of Jesse trees.
Although Christmas is widely celebrated in both religious and secular (nonreligious) ways, Advent is primarily a religious observance. However, Advent calendars are a popular way of marking the days until Christmas even for those who do not celebrate it in religious ways.
The similar season observed in anticipation of Easter is known as Lent.
When is Advent?
In many branches of Christianity, Advent begins on the fourth Sunday before Christmas. In 2023, Advent starts on December 3. In 2024, it starts on December 1.
More information and context on Advent
In general, the word advent means “a coming” or “an arrival.” It comes from the Latin word adventus, meaning “arrival” or “approach.” This general sense is often used in the context of the beginning or approach of seasons, as in the advent of spring.
In the early Christian church, Advent is thought to have been a season of fasting and repentance to prepare for the feast of the Epiphany. Eventually, Advent began to be associated with the Second Coming of Jesus, and later it became associated with the feast of the birth of Jesus.
What are some terms that often get used in discussing advent?
How is Advent discussed in real life?
Advent is primarily a religious observance, but it is sometimes used as the name for the season preceding Christmas by those who celebrate in nonreligious ways, especially in the context of Advent calendars.
Today we began the Season of Advent at All Saints Episcopal Church, Brookline. My favorite Liturgical Season. A time of creeping darkness and the waiting for the Light.
— josephine Shields (@beauharnais) November 14, 2021
Putting our new grand piano to good use, students from the Wednesday afternoon music club have been practising a beautiful Christmas themed piece, as we approach the holy season of Advent. 🎹🎄⭐️🎼 pic.twitter.com/V8wDijnG0s
— Santa Sophia Catholic College (@SantaSophiaCC) November 15, 2021
I don't celebrate Easter during Lent and I don't celebrate Christmas during Advent…but I feel like I'm alone in this. Who's with me?
— Fr. Paul Keller, CMF (@keller_cmf) November 13, 2021
Try using Advent!
True or False?
Advent always begins on December 1.
How to use advent in a sentence
British Dictionary definitions for advent (1 of 2)
Word Origin for advent
British Dictionary definitions for advent (2 of 2)
Cultural definitions for advent
The coming of Jesus, either in the Incarnation of biblical times or in the Second Coming at the end of the world. Also, a time observed in many Christian churches in December to prepare for Christmas.