So, What is Advent?

Merriam-Webster defines Advent as 1: the period beginning four Sundays before Christmas and observed by some Christians as a season of prayer and fasting 2a: the coming of Christ at the Incarnation b: second coming 3: a coming into being or use. Hmmm... this definition does not seem to capture the glow and joy expressed when Christians talk about Advent.

Here is my attempt at defining Advent from what I have learned thus far:

Advent is a celebration of the coming birth of Christ. Advent started on Sunday, November 28 and concludes on Sunday, January 2nd. November 28 would also mark the "New Year" for the church calendar. I was not aware that church had a different calendar, so this was news to me. Advent celebrates the coming of Christ first by his birth, second by his desire to be in our lives and lastly by his impending return as judge. Preparation is the permeating theme of Advent. This is my best definition and I may be completely wrong. I am not a scholar in this area.

Now, I will tell you what Advent means to me. For me, this time is about taking stock of where I am and where I am going. This has always happened around this time of year for me, even before I knew about Advent. Thinking about it... this is my preparation. I have a long way to go in understanding and preparing, but at the end of the tunnel is God and I am on my way.

"I believe in Christianity as I believe that the sun has risen, not only because I see it, but because by it I see everything else." from C.S. Lewis, Weight of Glory, "Is Theology Poetry?"