Advent is the beginning of the Catholic Church's liturgical year, consisting of the first four Sundays and subsequent weekdays before Christmas. The word "Advent" comes from the Latin "adventus," which means "a coming or approach." It is a time of preparation intended to direct the Church toward the Second Coming of Christ as we also remember the Nativity of our Lord.
This year, Advent begins on Sunday, December 3rd, and ends on Sunday, December 24th.