Liturgical Year and Seasons
The mystery of Christ unfolds through the cycle of the year and we are called to live His mystery in our own lives. The Church has six different liturgical seasons throughout the year. What is the Liturgical Year and Calendar? What is a liturgical season?
We are currently in Ordinary Time.
https://www.usccb.org/prayer-worship/liturgical-year/ordinary-time
Advent is the next major season...
According to the USCCB, Beginning the Church's liturgical year, Advent (from, "ad-venire" in Latin or "to come to") is the season encompassing the four Sundays (and weekdays) leading up to the celebration of Christmas.
The Advent season is a time of preparation that directs our hearts and minds to Christ’s second coming at the end of time and to the anniversary of Our Lord’s birth on Christmas. From the earliest days of the Church, people have been fascinated by Jesus’ promise to come back. But the scripture readings during Advent tell us not to waste our time with predictions. Advent is not about speculation. Our Advent readings call us to be alert and ready, not weighted down and distracted by the cares of this world (Lk 21:34-36). Like Lent, the liturgical color for Advent is purple since both are seasons that prepare us for great feast days. Advent also includes an element of penance in the sense of preparing, quieting, and disciplining our hearts for the full joy of Christmas.
Advent devotions including the Advent wreath, remind us of the meaning of the season.