We posed this question to our Chaplain Rev. Sandra T. Gray and here is what she told us:

Advent (from the Latin word adventus means “coming” or

“arrival”) is a season observed by many Western Christians

as a time of expectant waiting and preparation for the

celebration of the Birth of the “LIGHT OF THE

WORLD,” Jesus at Christmas and recognition of

“Emanuel” (God with us.) It begins four Sundays before

Christmas Day, which is the Sunday nearest November 30,

and ends on Christmas Eve (December 24).

Isaiah 7:14 “Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin^] will conceive and give birth to a son, and^[c] will call him Immanuel.”

She also shared with us a special Prayer for Advent:

PRAYER

“O God of Hope, Emmanuel (God with Us) – we pray, during this

Advent Season, You expand Your light within us. Help us to “let our

lights shine that others will glorify You.” Through Your power,

transform us so that our prayers, our worship, our celebration, our time

of preparation, our healing, and our service exalt You. Amen.”