The Season of Advent

December 2 –December 24, 2012

Four Weeks• Happy New Year!

• Longing• Waiting• Hoping• Preparing

First Season of the Liturgical Year

What does Advent mean?

• From Latin: “To come, the arrival”• Remembering the Coming of Christ so

long ago at Bethlehem: aka: The Incarnation

• Looking forward to the Coming of Christ at the end of time

• Realizing the coming of Christ, every day, into our lives

Important Figures for Advent:Elijah the Prophet

Isaiah the Prophet

John the Baptist

Elizabeth, Mary’s Cousin

Zechariah

Mary

Joseph

How we Celebrate Advent

• Slow down and be quiet• Pray in “watchful anticipation”• Perhaps around the Advent Wreath (very

symbolic)• Perhaps around the Jesse Tree (also symbolic)• SUBTRACT, not ADD

• How is this possible during the holidays?

That’s up to YOU!