The word adventus is a Latin term meaning “coming.” Early Christians spoke of “The advent of our Lord” in reference to the incarnation (God becoming flesh). As time went on, advent was designated as the period leading up to Christmas Day when Christians prepared for the celebration of Jesus’ birth. The specific celebrations began as early as the 4th century AD. This time period was marked by prayer and fasting with a focused attention on the wonder of the incarnation as well as the hopeful return of Christ at His second coming.

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