The Christian season of preparation takes place during the weeks leading up to Christmas.

Advent begins on the fourth Sunday before Christmas. This year, Advent began Nov. 30, the start of the new liturgical year.

The significance of candle lighting in preparation for Christmas Day.

Here’s a quick explanation of what Advent means for Christians and Catholics, and the origins behind some other Christmas ...

Advent is a season of expectation. In the liturgy of these weeks, a recurrent theme is God’s closeness to humanity. The Old ...

When I was much younger (but old enough for some serious crafting), I designed a two-dimensional Advent wreath from construction paper and thumbtacked it to my bedroom wall. Each Sunday during the ...

Devlyn Brooks is an ordained pastor in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, and serves Faith Lutheran Church in ...

By Patrick Schmadeke Evangelization in the World Today It’s time to say goodbye to fall decor. We’ll trade out the ...Read ...

The silent flicker of an Advent wreath or soft hymns calling for Emmanuel may elude us in the busyness that has become a culturally hectic time of year. Unlike Jesus, who forces nothing upon us, the ...

Deacon Greg Kandra provides a reflection on the readings and Gospel for the Second Sunday of Advent, Dec. 7, 2025.

Select independently determines what we cover and recommend. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more. Traditionally, Advent calendars are designed to count down the days ...