ADVENT

(from Latin adventus, "coming"), in the Christian church, a period of preparation for the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ at Christmas and also of preparation for the Second Coming of Christ. It begins on the Sunday nearest to November 30 (St. Andrew's Day) and is the beginning of the church year. The date when the season was first observed is uncertain. Bishop Perpetuus of Tours (461-490) established a fast before Christmas that began on November 11 (St. Martin's Day), and the Council of Tours (567) mentioned an Advent season. Although a penitential season, Advent is no longer kept with the strictness of Lent, as it once was, and fasts are no longer required. In many countries it is marked by a variety of popular observances, such as the lighting of Advent candles.