Advent begins this year on November 30.

During Advent, we prepare for, and anticipate, the coming of Christ. We remember the longing of Jews for a Messiah and our own longing for, and need of, forgiveness, salvation and a new beginning.

Even as we look back and celebrate the birth of Jesus in a humble stable in Bethlehem, we also look forward anticipating the second coming of Christ as the fulfillment of all that was promised by his first coming.

The season of Advent, which comes comes from the Latin word adventus meaning  “coming” or “visit,” begins four Sundays before Christmas and ends on Christmas Eve.