Advent is the season of preparation. In the weeks before Christmas, we prepare for the coming of God.
Yes, in the weeks before Christmas, you are preparing for the coming of the end of the semester.
Yes, in the weeks before Christmas, the whole culture is preparing for the coming of the Christmas holiday.
In Advent, we prepare for the coming of God . . . two thousand years ago as a human who taught love, faithfulness and forgiveness . . . at the end of all time as the returning savior who brings to completion all that God intends for creation. We prepare for the coming of God into our lives, bringing the healing and hope that we desperately need. Bringing the nearness of God who journeys with us. God with us.
Check out these Advent resources:
A little overview of Advent – just two minutes that explain a lot! http://bustedhalo.com/video/advent-in-two-minutes
Daily readings and prayers for throughout Advent http://www.d365.org/followingthestar/
Little daily Advent surpirses when you only have a moment or two. http://bustedhalo.com/features/advent-calendar-2011