Advent 2025 Begins Sunday, November 30

Preparing Hearts for Christ’s Coming

Advent begins on Sunday, November 30, 2025, ushering in the start of the new liturgical year. Derived from the Latin adventus, meaning “arrival,” Advent is a season of anticipation, inviting Christians to prepare for the celebration of Christ’s birth while renewing their longing for His promised return.

This sacred time goes from the first Sunday closest to St. Andrew’s Day, November 30 to Christmas Eve, December 24. It is a season of waiting, watching, and welcoming—an invitation to slow down and rediscover the mystery of God’s presence in the world.

Advent: A Two-fold Celebration

1. Advent is a time when the focus is on Christ's first coming into the world as a baby in a manger. This is to celebrate something in the past.
2. The second focus is on the celebration of the Second Coming of Jesus. This is to celebrate something in the future.

Therefore, the past and the future meet during Advent.

The Four Themes of Advent

Each Sunday of Advent carries a spiritual theme, symbolized by the candles of the Advent wreath.

November 30–Hope: The first candle recalls the prophets who foretold the coming of Christ and the hope of salvation.

December 7 –Peace: The second candle reflects the peace Christ brings to a troubled world.

December 14 –Joy: The third candle celebrates joy as we draw nearer to Christmas.

December 21 –Love: The fourth candle symbolizes God’s love revealed through the gift of His Son.

Together, those themes form a rhythm of reflection and anticipation, guiding believers toward Christmas with hearts attuned to God’s promises.

Traditions That Shape the Season

Advent traditions are rich with meaning and help believers embody the season’s spirit.

Advent Wreath – A circle of evergreen branches, symbolizing eternal life, holds four candles lit each week in a progressive sequence.

Advent Calendar – Families count down the days until Christmas with scripture, prayers, or small tokens of joy.

Scripture and Prayer – Readings from Isaiah and the Gospels is a reminder of God’s promises fulfilled in Christ.

Sacramental Preparation – Many deepen their spiritual lives through confession and receiving Holy Communion.

Those practices transform ordinary days into sacred moments of anticipation.

Advent as “Little Lent”

Historically, Advent has been called the “Little Lent.” While not as penitential as Lent, it encourages believers to prepare their hearts by turning away from distractions and focusing on Christ’s coming. In a culture where Christmas often arrives commercially before December, Advent offers a countercultural invitation: to pause, to ponder, and to prepare spiritually.

Living Advent Daily

Advent is not only celebrated in church but also lived in daily rhythms:

• Silence and Stillness – Taking time to pause, pray, and reflect amidst the busyness of the season.
• Acts of Kindness – Extending love and generosity to others, embodying Christ’s presence in the world.
• Family Rituals – Lighting candles together, reading devotionals, or sharing blessings at meals.

Those practices remind us that Advent is not about rushing toward Christmas but about savoring the journey of preparation.

Conclusion: A Season of Renewal

Advent is more than a countdown to Christmas—it is a season of renewal, hope, and spiritual preparation. As the liturgical year begins anew, believers are invited to embrace the mystery of Christ’s coming: past, present, and future.

This year, beginning November 30, 2025, let Advent rekindle hope, cultivate peace, rejoice in God’s promises, and embody love. In doing so, we prepare not only for the celebration of Christ’s birth but also for His triumphant return.

Call to Action for Readers

As you enter Advent, consider how you might bring hope, peace, joy, and love into your daily life. Share your own Advent traditions or reflections in the comments. Your story may inspire someone else’s journey of preparation.

Advent Blessings

May this Advent season awaken your heart to hope, anchor your spirit in peace, lift your soul in joy, and surround your days with love. May you find Christ’s light guiding your days. May His coming awaken in you a renewed sense of wonder and grace. Amen.