What is "Advent"?

Advent is derived from the Latin word “advenio,” which means “to come to, to arrive.”  Christians use this term to refer to the coming of the "Lord." Our preparation does not cause him to come. That was true in Jesus’ time, is true in our time, and will be true at the end of time. "Advent" is not about our preparation at all, but rather is about God’s coming. God came incarnate in the past, God comes to us now in word and sacrament, and God will come again at the end of time.

The only question is, “O Lord, how shall I meet you, how welcome you aright?” For Advent is really about Christ’s work—kindling a lamp within us, giving us a crown, embracing us in love, and guiding us safely home. Advent focuses not on our preparation, but on God’s work for us, coming to us repeatedly to "kindle, give, embrace, and guide."

"O Lord, we thank you that you came, that you come today, and that you will come in the future. Help us to welcome you aright." Amen.