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Advent 2026: Waiting in Wonder

advent 2026 schedule
adult faith formation
jesus and the jewish roots of advent
- Have you ever felt that when Christmas comes around that you’re just not ready? Of all the liturgical seasons of the year, Advent is certainly the most stressful, and it may be the most confusing. Catholics seem to have a good grasp of Christmas, Lent, and Easter. But what is the deeper meaning of Advent? And how can understanding this season help us better prepare for Christmas?
  
  In this video-series, Dr. Brant Pitre shows how a deeper understanding of the ancient Jewish prophecies of the Messiah can help unlock the hidden meanings of the season of Advent. In this close study of the Sunday readings from the Advent lectionary, you will learn about:
  
  The Second Advent at the End of Time: What will happen at the end of time? And why does Advent begin with end-time prophecies about the Tribulation, the Final Judgment, and the second coming of Christ?
  Jewish Prophecies of the Messiah: How do Catholics know that Jesus is truly the Messiah and not just one more religious leader? What are the most important Old Testament prophecies about the first “coming” of the Messiah?
  John the Baptist: Who was the mysterious figure of John the Baptist? Why did Jesus call him the greatest of all the prophets, and why does the Church spend so much time on him during the Advent season?
  The Jesse Tree: What are the Jewish roots of the Advent custom of the Jesse tree? Where does this tree come from in the Jewish Bible?
  The City of Bethlehem: Ancient Jewish prophecy foretold that the Messiah would be born in Bethlehem. Why? What is the Hebrew meaning of Jesus’ Nativity?
  The Virgin Birth: Why was Jesus born of a Virgin? How did the Blessed Virgin and St. Joseph react to the news? What should Catholics say to those who are skeptical about this great miracle? And what does it mean for our lives as Christians?
  
  If you’ve ever wanted to be more spiritually prepared to celebrate the birth of Christ at Christmas, then Jesus and the Jewish Roots of Advent is the Bible study for you.
  
  If you have any questions about the session, please reach out to MQS Director of Adult Faith Formation, Don Fontana, at [email protected].
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  The classes will take place on Monday, November 23, and then the following Thursdays: December 3, December 10 and December 17, at St. Frances Cabrini, O'Connell Hall, beginning at 6:30 PM. There is no cost for these sessions!
  
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"the true meaning of advent"
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