Advent marks the beginning of the Church Year—a four-week season leading us toward the celebration of Christ’s birth on December 25.

The word Advent means “coming,” and the season invites us into preparation rather than performance, waiting rather than rushing, longing rather than perfectionism. Advent teaches us to make room for Christ.

In these weeks, we prepare our hearts to welcome Jesus in three movements:

• Remembering His first coming—as we rehearse the story of the Incarnation and His birth in Bethlehem.

• Recognizing His coming to us now—as the Savior who breaks into our own lives with mercy, forgiveness, and renewal.

• Anticipating His coming again—as we look toward His promised return and the restoration of all things.

Just as John the Baptist cried, “Prepare the way of the Lord!”, Advent invites us into simple practices that help us clear space in our hearts and homes for Christ. It is a season of holy expectation, a time to meet Jesus afresh as Savior and Lord.