this coming Sunday. Advent is the beginning of the Christian annual calendar,

not the end. The word, Advent, comes from the Latin adventus, meaning

coming. It is a crucial time of remembrance, observation, and reality in the

liturgical calendar. Advent represents a cycle of light present in a dark

world. The season is not synonymous with Christmas, as some might think; yet,

Advent presents a place from which Christmastide may continue in the trajectory

of Christ’s life. A common misconception of Advent, however, is that the season

prepares for a celebration of the First Coming of Christ. By intent, Advent

focuses primarily on the Second Coming of Christ. Advent’s focus on the First

Coming should only be considered in relationship to the Second Coming, i.e. the

church’s connection to Israel in awaiting the Messiah. Furthermore, the Second

Coming significantly impacts how one views the First Coming and certainly

impacts the way one worships because of both. My aim here is to offer an

enhanced perspective on Advent and the Second Coming.