It would be easy to conclude that Advent calendars — usually with 25 compartments that reveal a treat, image or scripture, used to count down the days from Dec. 1 to Christmas Eve — represent just ...

Advent symbolizes the church’s present situation in these “last days,” according to scripture, as God’s people wait for the return of Christ. During the holiday, the church looks back upon Christ’s ...

Religious practitioners say the spiritual practice of Advent can counteract the materialism of the Christmas season — whether or not you believe in God. An ancient tradition still honored in some ...