Advent - First Sunday
Celebrated by Christians around the world.
Advent, for Western Christians starts the season for preparing for the coming of the Messiah and the celebration of Christmas with the birth of Jesus Christ. Advent always commences on the fourth Sunday before Christmas or the closest Sunday to St Andrew's Day which falls on November 30th each year and ending on Christmas Day – thus lasting 4 weeks. Advent can start on any day from November 27th to December 3rd.
The Eastern Churches go through a period of abstinence and penance called the Nativity Fast all in preparation for the birth of Jesus on December 25th. The Nativity Fast lasts 40 days, in that time they will focus on the proclamation and glorification of Jesus Christ and his incarnation – was made flesh in the womb of the Virgin Mary, thus, Jesus Christ became God and human.