Advent has been observed since at least the fourth century. Originally, it was a time when converts to Christianity prepared themselves for baptism. During the Middle Ages it became associated with preparation for the second coming of Jesus, and now it is seen as a time of anticipating the birth of Jesus and the celebrations of Christmas Day.
Advent comes from the Latin word for an “arrival” or a “coming”. During Advent we celebrate the specific coming of Jesus to Bethlehem, the anticipated return of Christ and the coming to each of us in grace as our Saviour.