Advent derives from the Latin word “adventus,” meaning approach or arrival. Advent is a time of expectation, a buildup and preparation for the celebration of the Nativity at Christmas (Christ’s first coming), and a reminder to prepare one’s soul for Christ’s expected return to earth on judgment day.

Advent is celebrated in different ways, but one cherished tradition that our readers in both religious and secular households may have grown up with is that of the Advent Calendar. In the spirit of the holiday season, Falvey Memorial Library has asked its staff to contribute one or two of their favorite poems to a Poetry Advent Calendar, which we will be creating on our blog. During Advent you can check in everyday for a new poem as we count down to Christmas.

Advent begins early this year (November 27); it can begin as late as December 3. According to the Catholic Encyclopedia, “Advent is a period beginning with the Sunday nearest to the Feast of St. Andrew the Apostle (30 November) and embracing four Sundays.” Advent is also celebrated by Protestant churches. Advent’s history goes back to the fourth century A.D. and the reign of the Roman Emperor Constantine.