Advent (from Latin, adventus, meaning “coming towards”) is a four-week season of preparation for Christmas. The First Sunday of Advent (November 30) marks the beginning of the church’s year.

Karaoke, eCards and More! Get into the spirit of the season! Sing along with these three Advent hymns! Send a Christmas eCard to a friend! The music is in Windows Media format.  O Come, Emmanuel [Listen]  O Come, Emmanuel [Lyrics]  Watcher, Tell Us [Listen]  Watcher, Tell Us [Lyrics]  Comfort My People [Listen]  Comfort My People [Lyrics]  Christmas eCards  Advent Guide Christmas Kit Free Sacred Art! Advent music is from The New Century Hymnal CD set. Used by permission. To learn more, visit  The Pilgrim Press.

Advent and Christmas focus both on the past—the coming of Jesus as an infant born into poverty in Bethlehem, and the future—the coming of Christ in glory to fulfill God’s loving purposes for humanity. This past and future orientation is reflected in the readings appointed in the church for each Sunday of Advent.

Advent this year comes at a time of anxiety and hope. Many of us are struggling and are afraid for our future. It's not easy to hope when times are bad. Mary, as she waited for the birth of her child into an uncertain world, knew how to live with hope—to believe the promises of God. So Advent is a time when we wait, with Mary, for the birth of new life into a world living in shadows.

During this holy season, we invite you to prepare for Christmas with our growing online community here at i.UCC. Download our free Advent Guide and Christmas Kit. Both will help you experience the ancient traditions of Advent and Christmas in new ways. Subscribe to our Stillspeaking Daily Devotional, which will help you live thoughtfully through the season. And know that you're always welcome at our daily online service of evening prayer in our real-time Prayer Chapel.