Year of Faith: Advent

Advent is the four-week liturgical season devoted to preparation for the coming of the Christ Child at Christmas.

The Church celebrates the liturgy of Advent each year and makes present this ancient expectancy of the Messiah. By sharing in the long preparation for the Savior’s first coming, the faithful renew their ardent desire for his second coming at the end of time.

Besides commemorating Christ’s coming in the flesh in history and in the future in majesty, it is also an opportunity to welcome him in mystery present in the Eucharist. This season begins the new liturgical calendar for the Catholic Church.

—Evangelization and Catechesis Office, Denver Biblical and Catechetical schools