Advent and Christmas Seasons
Images courtesy of the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception and the nativity scene above is from the Christmas special "Christmas Eve from the National Shrine of St. Francis of Assisi, San Francisco". The Christmas special will be showing on ABC-TV stations around the country, check your local listing.
Christmas is the season to celebrate the Lord's birth, his manifestation to the world, and His baptism. The season begins Christmas eve and ends on the Baptism of the Lord, including the Epiphany of the Lord as well.
Advent (ad-venio in Latin or "to come to") begins the Church's liturgical year and is the season leading up to the celebration of Christmas. The Advent season is a time of preparation that directs our hearts and minds to Christ’s second coming at the end of time and also to the anniversary of the Lord’s birth on Christmas. Advent devotions remind us of the meaning of the season. Special Advent Devotions: the lighting of the Advent wreath; the Advent calendar helps remind us of the season with daily thoughts and activities; Advent prayers prepare us spiritually for the birth of Jesus Christ.