This is a comprehensive commentary on the Season of Advent for preachers, teachers, liturgy planners and everyone who has an interest in the season itself.

Its background and development are outlined by Thomas McCarthy OP and Vincent Ryan OSB. The liturgies for the Sundays of Advent are covered in detail by Brian Magee CM and those for the weekdays by Timothy O'Connor. The breviary in Advent is addressed by Seán Collins OFM while art in the season is dealt with by Stephanie Brophy. Jerry Threadgold writes on music in Advent and Maura Hyland writes on celebrating the season with children. The three great figures of the Advent season, Isaiah, John the Baptist, and Mary each have a chapter, and the imagery and symbols of Advent are covered by Genevieve Mooney OP.