Advent means the coming, and refers to the four-week season of preparation for the birth of Jesus on Christmas Day and the anticipation of His coming again. Advent begins the Sunday nearest November 30th and continues until December 24th. The Advent calendar, which originated in 19th Century Europe, has 24 numbered flaps concealing a biblical scene and verse about the coming of the Messiah. Children especially enjoy opening a new door each day as Christmas draws near and we approach once again the Nativity of the Lord.