​What is Advent?

In Christianity, Advent is a season of preparation and anticipation for the birth of Jesus Christ and the second coming of Christ. It comes from the Latin adventus, meaning "arrival" or "coming," and it is a time for reflection, prayer, and spiritual growth as we await the fulfillment of God's promise.

Key Aspects:

• Dual Focus: Advent commemorates Jesus' first coming to Earth as a baby, while also looking forward to his eventual return to bring final redemption.
  
• A Time of Waiting: It is a period of patient and hopeful waiting, similar to how ancient peoples awaited the Messiah.
  
• Spiritual Preparation: Advent encourages Christians to intentionally slow down, prepare their hearts, and recenter their lives around their faith during a busy time of year.
  
• Liturgical Traditions: Many churches use a wreath with four candles, lit successively each Sunday to represent the themes of hope, peace, joy, and love. These weekly themes build anticipation for Christmas.
  

​Advent Worship Services

​1st Sunday of Advent

2nd Sunday of Advent

3rd Sunday of Advent

4th Sunday of Advent

​Advent Devotionals

Family Advent Devotional

Devotion Downloads

​The Great O Antiphons

Join the whole Church, ancient and modern, in preparing for and adoring Almighty God, incarnate in Jesus.

The O-Antiphons are biblical names for Jesus Christ and used by western Christian churches during the last seven days of Advent, especially in conjunction with the Magnificat (Mary's Song) during the evening prayer services.

• December 17: O Sapientia (O Wisdom)
• December 18: O Adonai (O Lord)
  
• December 19: O Radix Jesse (O Root of Jesse)
  
• December 20: O Clavis David (O Key of David)
  
• December 21: O Oriens (O Dayspring)
  
• December 22: O Rex Gentium (O King of the Nations)
  
• December 23: O Emmanuel (O With Us is God)

If you think these phrases sound familiar, they are the Latin basis for "O Come, O Come, Emmanuel"