What Is Advent?

Advent, the four weeks leading up to Christmas, is the first liturgical season of the church year. In 2024, Advent begins on December 1. 

As the Rev. Kristin Kaulbach Miles explains, the word “advent” comes from the Latin word adventus, which means “to approach.” It’s a time of active waiting as we anticipate the birth of Jesus. We don’t rush to Christmas. Instead, we slow down and take time to prepare. Through prayer and reflection, silence and stillness, serving our neighbors, and gathering in song and worship, we make room in our hearts, and in our lives, to receive God’s gift of love revealed to us in Jesus. 

Each Sunday at church, we light a new candle in the Advent wreath. The candles represent hope, faith, joy, and peace. As the wreath burns brighter and brighter in the winter darkness, we remember that Jesus brings the light of God into the world. 

At Trinity, music plays an important role in our preparation. Our annual presentation of Handel’s Messiah, a beloved holiday tradition since 1770, tells the story of Jesus. On December 20, past and present members of Trinity Youth Chorus come together to sing Benjamin Britten’s exuberant A Ceremony of Carols. And on December 21, all are invited to Sing Choirs of Angels, our holiday singalong featuring the combined power of Trinity’s vocal ensembles, NOVUS brass and percussion, and The Choirs of the Borough of Manhattan Community College. 

In this time of busyness, we invite you to wait with us. Join us at Trinity for worship, community, and beautiful music — and find a moment of rest in the quiet stillness of Advent.