Today marks the first Sunday of Advent, the first day of the Western Christian year and the start to the Christmas holiday season.
Advent is marked by a spirit of expectation, of anticipation, of preparation, of longing. The excited preparation that is done for Christmas mirrors the excited anticipation of the people who waited for the birth of Jesus. It also represents the waiting that is being done by those people today as they await the second coming of Jesus.
This celebratory period of the birth and second coming of Jesus is marked by a change in church services. People who attend church will notice that the sermons are focused on an appreciation of Christ and a celebration of the anniversary of his birth. There is also a focus on preparing for the second coming of Jesus. This is marked by different sermons and songs. Some churches have also introduced things like Christmas songs into the services. Advent continues for three additional Sundays following this one.
At the end of Advent comes what the preparation has been all about: Christmas. Christmas carols, gift giving, feasting on certain holiday foods and spending time in church are all ways that people celebrate this part of the holiday. It is a celebration of the things that followers believe Jesus brought to the world. It is also a celebration of things to come.
