Advent: What is the Purpose of Advent?

Advent as practiced by many Christians is a time of preparation for Jesus Christ’s coming. Some Christians remember and prepare for three comings of Jesus.

1. Jesus' historical birth.
2. Jesus’ coming into the individual Christian’s life (i.e. the moment that person decided to follow Jesus as Lord of All).
3. Jesus’ second coming to Earth. 

Advent is a time of waiting, longing, and hope.

Advent is a time of increased prayer and reflection. Some Christians recite prayers that they only say during the Advent season. 

Some Christians might practice a form of fasting during Advent, but the season is no longer considered penitential the way Lent is.

In short, the purpose of Advent is to prepare oneself for the coming of Jesus Christ.