What Is Advent?

Advent, the four weeks leading up to Christmas, is the first liturgical season of the church year. In 2025, Advent begins on November 30.

As the Rev. Kristin Kaulbach Miles explains, the name 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. On December 3, Downtown Voices presents “Saint Nicolas,” a colorful cantata telling the story of the real-life 4th-century bishop who inspired the legend of Santa Claus. On December 12, catch the livestream of our annual presentation of Handel’s masterpiece, Messiah, a beloved holiday tradition since 1770. On December 14, Trinity Youth Chorus returns to St. Paul’s Chapel for their annual rendition of Benjamin Britten’s exuberantA Ceremony of Carols. And on December 20, all are invited to Sing, Choirs of Angels: Holiday Sing-Along, our holiday extravaganza featuring the combined power St. Paul’s Chapel Choir and Trinity Scholar Choir, NOVUS brass and percussion, and The Choirs of the Borough of Manhattan Community College — and, of course, Trinity’s congregation.

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.