Although people often assume we are in the midst of the "Christmas" or "holiday" season, the Christian liturgical calendar has a different name for the period beginning four Sundays before Christmas (Nov. 29 this year): Advent.

This is a traditional time meant for solemn preparations for the remembrance of the birth of Jesus of Nazareth and to anticipate his return at the "end of time." A number of special events are being offered to residents who would like to enhance the spirit of this season.

- Holy-Stir is a Hollister institution. Several times a year, Christians from local churches come together to worship and share a spirit of unity. At 7 p.m., Wednesday, Dec. 9, they will celebrate the Advent Season at Hollister United Methodist Church, 521 Monterey St. Clergy from the United Methodist, Roman Catholic, Episcopal and Abundant Life congregations will lead a worship service with music and messages focused on "anticipating the coming of Jesus." According to the Rev. Ardiss Golden, host pastor, "Participants will look beyond our present struggles to regain a sense of wonder, awe, peace and rejoicing." For more, call (831) 637-4240.

- Morgan Hill Presbyterian Church, 16970 DeWitt Ave., is presenting a Christmas concert entitled "Joy to the World" at 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 4 and at 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 6. Music will be performed by the Celebration Choir, Genesis (the youth choir) and an orchestra; the audience will be invited to participate in some numbers. Admission is $3 per person or $12 per family. For information, call (408) 779-2820.

- The annual South Valley Community Christmas Concert will be held at 8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 4 in Morgan Hill's St. Catherine Roman Catholic Church, 17400 Peak Ave. A tradition that began more than two decades ago by the Morgan Hill Stake of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, this annual free event features many talented musical groups. Along with choirs from the sponsoring churches, performances will be given by the Gilroy High School Chamber Choir, the Good Shepherd Lutheran Church Handbell Choir, the Zion Youth Choir and the South Valley Suzuki String Academy. For details, call (408) 779-3959.

- For the 22nd year, the Menlo Park Stake of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints will hold "Light is Come Into the World," a free exhibit of crèches from around the world at 8565 Middlefield Road in Palo Alto. Open from noon to 9 p.m. Dec. 5 through 9, visitors can view 500 nativity scenes using a surprising array of materials from 80 countries, tastefully arranged and accompanied by live music. The selection on display changes every year, so repeat visitors will still have some pleasant surprises in store for them. For more, call (650) 856-3781 or visit www.christmascreche.org.

- Families with children are bound to enjoy "Bethlehem: Experience the Birth" a free event held from 6:30 to 9 p.m. Dec. 10 through 14 at the Santa Clara First Baptist Church, 3111 Benton St. The congregation's parking lot is covered by 150 tons of sand as 100 actors in biblical costumes and sheep, camels and horses recreate first century Bethlehem. Visitors stroll through the village and gather at an outdoor stage where every half-hour Joseph, Mary, the wisemen and shepherds reenact the birth of Jesus underneath a shining star and observing angels. For information, call (408) 241-7635 or visit www.bethlehemsc.com.

Chuck Flagg Chuck Flagg is a retired teacher with a passion for religion. Reach him at cflagg@svnewspapers.com.