Advent is a season in the Church calendar dedicated to the hopeful anticipation for the arrival or "advent" of Jesus of Nazareth. During the four-week period leading up to Christmas, many Advent observers engage in prayer, meditation, and Scripture study that emphasizes hope, peace, love, and joy. Christians from many backgrounds celebrate this time, and while their practices may look different, all focus on the hope-filled arrival of Jesus, the long-awaited Messiah and King.

The word Advent means "arrival" and signifies the start of an event or the arrival of a person. We might use the word to talk about "the advent of the Internet" or "the advent of the pandemic." In Christian communities around the world, Advent refers to the four-week season of remembering and celebrating Jesus' arrival as a baby.*

During the Christmas season it is easy to get lost in overwhelming busyness and the promises of our culture—promises that "stuff" will fill our needs. It's easy to focus on the shadow rather than the substance—Jesus himself. As a church we need perspective, and Advent is a gift to help us refocus on what matters most. God promised to send the Savior, and he faithfully fulfilled that promise. Amid the fleeting things that fail to save us and fill us, God comes through on His promises...every time!

This year we have loads of resources for you! Learn more by exploring this page and the videos and links you'll find on it.

Our prayer for you this Advent season is that you will enjoy the rich, loving, life-giving presence of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, and that you will take time to slow down and be encouraged by the truth that Jesus has come...and will come again!

Merry Christmas from the NCC Team!

_{*Adapted from The Bible Project Advent Page - bibleproject.com/guides/advent}