Advent is a Christian season of preparation for Christmas, marking the beginning of the liturgical year and commemorating the birth of Jesus. The word "advent" comes from the Latin for "coming" or "arrival," and this period is a time for Christians to reflect on the past, present, and future comings of Jesus—his birth, his presence in believers' lives now, and his anticipated second coming. It is observed in the four weeks leading up to Christmas, starting on the fourth Sunday before the holiday.