What is Advent?
Advent is the season of waiting and getting ready before Christmas.It covers the four Sundays leading up to December 25, and the name comes from the Latin word for ‘coming.’ Many Christians light one more candle on an Advent wreath each Sunday. For churches that keep it, Christmas doesn’t start on Thanksgiving weekend. It’s worth the wait.
1 · MindWhat people believe, and how they know
The word Advent comes from the Latin for “coming.” The season covers the four Sundays and weekdays before Christmas and prepares Christians to celebrate the coming of Jesus. Catholic teaching adds a second meaning: preparing for Christ’s second coming at the end of time.
An Advent wreath holds four candles, and one more is lit each Sunday. Brandeis University’s guide to religious observances says the candles stand for love, joy, peace and hope. Scripture readings during the season are about preparing for the coming of the Messiah.
Because it counts back from December 25, Advent starts on a different date each year. In 2026 it begins on Sunday, November 29.
What each tradition or community says
For churches that keep it, Advent is a quieter, reflective season before the celebration. Some save carols and decorations for closer to Christmas.
Many families light the wreath at dinner, read a short passage, or open an Advent calendar each day, which turns the countdown into a daily practice.
If a neighbor says they’re ‘in Advent,’ they may be keeping the weeks before Christmas simple on purpose. A small kindness: don’t rush them into Christmas.
2 · HeartWhat it feels like
In a season that can feel like one long shopping rush, Advent is a deliberate slow-down: four weeks of waiting on purpose.
Even if you don’t keep it, it’s a reminder that some neighbors are getting ready for something that matters deeply to them.
Advent is the countdown before Christmas, with the volume turned down.Neighbor Radio
3 · HandsHow to be a good neighbor
If you’re invited to an Advent service or a wreath lighting, you can just come and sit. Nothing is expected of guests.
An Advent calendar makes a thoughtful small gift for a Christian friend or their kids.
This weekPick one evening in December to put the phone down and wait for something on purpose. That’s the spirit of Advent.
Plain wordsWhat do these words mean?
Four questions to take with you
From the story of the Good Samaritan, the stranger who stopped to help. We call it the Good Neighbor Test.
- Did they see? Or look right past?
- Did they stop? Even when it was inconvenient?
- Did it cost them? Time, money, comfort, reputation?
- Did they treat the person like a person? Not like a label?
Try it on: a neighbor who is waiting for something, quietly, on purpose.
Quick questions
When does Advent start?
On the fourth Sunday before Christmas. In 2026 that’s November 29, in 2027 November 28, and in 2028 December 3.
Do all Christians keep Advent?
Catholics and many other churches do. Some Christian traditions don’t mark it. If you’re curious, ask your neighbor what their church does.
Is an Advent calendar religious?
It started as a way to count down to Christmas. Many have a Bible verse or picture each day, and many are just for fun.
Fact-checked October 15, 2026 against Diocese of St. Petersburg (Catholic) and Brandeis University Guide to Observances. Written in plain words by the Neighbor Radio team. Every fact is checked against what each community says about itself, in its own official sources, plus a neutral reference. Part of this community and something doesn't sound like you, or spot a mistake? Tell us. We read every note and fix mistakes.
Don’t forget to show hospitality to strangers, for in doing so, some have entertained angels without knowing it.
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Free tools that go with this
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Luther's World Learn Gentle, plain-language lessons from the Lutheran tradition. Tap any word you don’t know and it explains itself. First step: Start with the Lord’s Prayer, one line at a time. (opens luthersworld.com in a new tab) -
Digital Lutheran Church Pray A quiet place to pray each day, with the day’s readings. First step: Read the honest questions page, whatever you believe. (opens digitallutheranchurch.com in a new tab)