December 10#: Second Sunday of Advent

Today we have not found National Holidays related to our Advent Calendar, but the second Sunday of Advent in 2023 is today, December 10th, a time when believers eagerly anticipate the celebration of Christ’s birth.

The word “Advent” comes from the Latin word adventus, which means “coming.”
Advent in the 4th and 5th century was a time of preparation for the baptism of new Christians.
Christians would spend 40 days in prayer and fasting to prepare for the celebration that accompanied the baptism of new believers.
Over time, it was connected to the coming of Christ. Originally Christians used this term to reference Christ’s second coming, but by the Middle Ages, Advent was connected to Christ’s first coming that we celebrate at Christmas. Today, we celebrate Advent over the four weeks leading up to Christmas each year.
Advent season is an invitation to set your mind off the stresses of the year, and we can take our focus off of the crazy hustle of the season and the sadness that could accompany the different ways some of us may be choosing to observe the holiday season this year. Even when things feel chaotic we can find peace in Jesus.
Advent is also a chance, for believers, to focus our thoughts on the gift God has given us in his son Jesus who stepped down from heaven and took the form of a man so that we might believe.
The tradition for the second Sunday of Advent includes lighting the second purple candle that is a symbol of faith.

The Second Sunday of Advent aims to prepare for the upcoming birth of Jesus Christ during the season of Advent. Through prayer, scripture readings, and reflection, Christians focus on themes of peace, love, joy, and hope as they anticipate the arrival of the holiday season.