THE SEASON OF ADVENT

The new liturgical year opens with the season of Advent—a sacred stretch of four weeks in which the Church slows down, leans forward, and listens for the footsteps of the coming Christ. In a world marked by hurry, noise, and distraction, Advent offers a counter-rhythm: a season of holy anticipation, watchful waiting, and quiet preparation for the mystery of Christmas.

What Does Advent Mean?

The word Advent comes from the Latin adventus, meaning “coming,” “approach,” or “arrival.” In the ancient world, adventus described the entry of a royal figure into a city. The early Church took that word and baptized it: Advent is the season when we remember the arrival of the true King—Jesus Christ.

Across liturgical traditions, Advent teaches us to hold three comings together:

• His first coming in the humility of Bethlehem—born of Mary, laid in a manger, the Light shining into the world’s deep darkness.

• His coming to us now through Word and Sacrament—Christ breaking into our present lives with mercy, forgiveness, and grace.

• His final coming in glory—when He will make all things new and unite heaven and earth forever.

Advent invites us to stand in the middle of this beautiful tension: we remember, we receive, and we hope. It is a season that forms our hearts in longing, teaches us to hunger for God’s presence, and trains us in the holy art of expectation.

When Does Advent Begin?

In 2025, Advent begins on Sunday, November 30, and continues until the first service of Christmas. Each Sunday moves us further into the story—through themes of prophecy, repentance, hope, and expectation—until we arrive at the Nativity of Our Lord.

Where Does Advent Fall in the Church Year?

Advent is not simply another season—it is the beginning. For churches that follow the three-year lectionary, this year’s Advent ushers us into Year A, where we will walk closely with the Gospel of Matthew. A new year in the Church calendar is more than a date change—it is an invitation to step once again into the story of Christ, to journey with Him from cradle to cross to empty tomb.

You can learn more about the Church Year here.

RESOURCES FOR OBSERVING ADVENT

For a wonderful brief introduction to this season, we recommend you order a copy of Advent: The Season of Hope.

You can pick up a copy of our Advent Guide and Advent Devotional at our Welcome Table on Sundays.

An Invitation to Enter Advent

Here are some ways you might intentionally enter into the Advent season.

St. Nicholas Festival

Wednesday, Dec. 3th @ 6:00pm

Timberwood Park Club House

You’ve heard of Santa—but do you know the historic Saint Nicholas?

Join us for a joyful, family-friendly evening where we’ll explore the life of the real Nicholas of Myra—an early Christian bishop whose quiet generosity, courageous faith, and compassion for the vulnerable helped shape the traditions we know today. His life points us not to holiday hype, but to the hope of Jesus—and to the kind of kindness that brings light into the world.

Food

We’ll share a Mediterranean-style finger-food dinner (a nod to Nicholas’ homeland in modern-day Turkey) plus traditional Speculatius cookies.

For the Kids

After dinner, children can enjoy hands-on crafts and a special visit from Saint Nicholas himself!

For All Ages: Serving Our City

In the spirit of Nicholas’ generous heart, everyone—kids, teens, and adults—are invited to help pack care bags for our unhoused neighbors. These will be donated to a local ministry that serves people in need. If you would like to contribute to the bags, sign-up here.

Come be part of an evening that celebrates not only who Saint Nicholas was, but the way Christ’s love can shine through us today.

LOCATION: Timberwood Park Club House

reserve your spot!

This is a FREE event but registration is required. Reserve your meal ticket below.

Want to learn more about the real Saint Nicholas? Click here.

Journey to the Manger

Wednesday, December 17th @ 6:00pm

Journey to the Manger is a Christmas experience you won’t want to miss!

Inspired by Las Posadas—a beautiful Advent tradition from Christians throughout Central and South America—this immersive evening invites you to walk with Mary and Joseph as they search for a place to stay on the night Christ was born.

Enjoy a festive evening together with:

• A live-mariachi band featuring Mariachi Azul

• Free Mexican hot chocolate, coffee, and buñuelos

• Free petting zoo

• Piñatas for both younger and older kids

Everything takes place outdoors, so please dress comfortably.

Event Details

When: Wednesday, December 17th at 6:00pm

Where: Soccer field behind
St. Thomas Episcopal Church
1416 N Loop 1604 E, San Antonio, TX 78232

Cost: Free!

Christmas Eve Candlelight Service

Wednesday, December 24th at 4:30pm

Join us for a beautiful Lessons & Carols candlelight service as we celebrate the birth of our Savior. Through historic readings, cherished carols, and the glow of candlelight, we will hear again the story of Christ’s coming and rejoice in the light that shines in the darkness.

When: 4:30-5:30pm

Where: Woehler Family Center (located behind St. Thomas Episcopal Church), 1416 N Loop 1604 E, San Antonio, TX 78232