Advent begins on November 25th, this year.
Many Christians may not realize that Advent is the beginning of the “church year.” The church year starts with our preparation to celebrate the birth of Christ. Advent obviously leads to Christmas Day.
After Christmas, churches move on to observe Epiphany (the arrival of the wise men). Epiphany is always observed on January 6. Next comes the beginning of Lent on Ash Wednesday. Lent continues through Holy Week when we observe Maundy Thursday, Good Friday and Easter. Forty days after Easter we recall the ascension of Christ (Acts 1 :9) on Ascension Day. Fifty days after Easter comes the birthday of the church when the Holy Spirit descended upon Christ’s followers in Jerusalem giving them power and unity. It happened on the day of Pentecost, a harvest holiday celebrated by Pentecost is observed until the start of Advent, when the church year begins again.