What Is Advent? Understanding the Season of Expectation
Every December, churches around the world begin to light candles, sing hymns of anticipation, and speak of Advent. But for many people, the word can feel mysterious, an old church term we associate with Christmas wreaths or calendars filled with chocolates.
Advent, however, is much more than a countdown to Christmas. It’s a sacred season of waiting, reflection, and preparation, a time for the church to remember the first coming of Christ and to look forward to His return.
Let’s take a closer look at what Advent means, where it comes from, and why it still matters today.
1. What Does “Advent” Mean?
The word Advent comes from the Latin adventus, meaning “coming” or “arrival.” In the early centuries of the church, it was used to describe both Christ’s birth in Bethlehem and His promised return in glory.
So when Christians celebrate Advent, we’re not only remembering the story of a baby born in a manger, we’re also preparing our hearts for the King who will come again.
“Be on guard! Be alert! You do not know when that time will come.” — Mark 13:33 (NIV)
Advent reminds us that the story of Jesus is both past and future, He came to save, and He will come again to reign.
2. The Purpose of Advent
Advent is meant to slow us down. In a world that rushes toward Christmas with shopping lists, lights, and noise, Advent invites us to pause and reflect on the deeper meaning of the season.
It’s about preparing room, not in our homes, but in our hearts.
“A voice of one calling: ‘In the wilderness prepare the way for the Lord; make straight in the desert a highway for our God.’” — Isaiah 40:3
John the Baptist’s call to prepare the way echoes into our lives today. Advent asks: Have we made space for Christ? Or have we filled our hearts with distractions?
Advent helps us remember that Christmas isn’t just an event, it’s an encounter with God Himself.
3. The Four Themes of Advent
Traditionally, the four weeks of Advent each focus on a central theme, represented by candles on the Advent wreath. Each one tells part of the story of salvation.
Week 1: Hope
The first candle reminds us of the hope that came through God’s promises. Just as Israel waited for the Messiah, we wait in hope for His return.
“The people walking in darkness have seen a great light.” — Isaiah 9:2
Week 2: Peace
The second candle represents peace, the kind that only Jesus can bring.
“For unto us a child is born… and he will be called Prince of Peace.” — Isaiah 9:6
Week 3: Joy
The third candle is often pink, symbolizing joy. It reflects the angel’s message to the shepherds:
“I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people.” — Luke 2:10
Week 4: Love
The final candle reminds us of the depth of God’s love, shown in sending His Son for us.
“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son.”
— John 3:16
Some traditions also include a fifth candle, the Christ Candle, lit on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day, celebrating that the Light of the World has come.
4. How to Observe Advent
Advent isn’t about rituals for their own sake, it’s about reconnecting with the rhythm of God’s story. Here are some simple ways to enter into the spirit of Advent this year:
Advent is about making space for wonder again, remembering that the Savior of the world stepped into our darkness to bring light.
5. Why Advent Still Matters
In a culture that celebrates Christmas long before December even begins, Advent helps us remember what we’re really celebrating. It grounds us. It draws our eyes back to Jesus.
When we live with an Advent mindset, we carry a deeper sense of hope into every season, not just at Christmas, but year-round. Because Advent reminds us that God keeps His promises.
“The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us.”
— John 1:14
The same God who came near in Bethlehem still comes near to us today.
Waiting with Hope
Advent teaches us to wait well, not with frustration, but with faith. Just as Israel waited centuries for the Messiah’s first coming, we now wait for His glorious return.
But as we wait, we live in hope, because the promise has already begun to unfold. The light has come, and darkness will never overcome it.
Still Have Questions?
We’d love to walk with you as you experience the meaning of Advent and prepare your heart for Christmas. Reach out to us, you’re not waiting alone.
Advent, however, is much more than a countdown to Christmas. It’s a sacred season of waiting, reflection, and preparation, a time for the church to remember the first coming of Christ and to look forward to His return.
Let’s take a closer look at what Advent means, where it comes from, and why it still matters today.
1. What Does “Advent” Mean?
The word Advent comes from the Latin adventus, meaning “coming” or “arrival.” In the early centuries of the church, it was used to describe both Christ’s birth in Bethlehem and His promised return in glory.
So when Christians celebrate Advent, we’re not only remembering the story of a baby born in a manger, we’re also preparing our hearts for the King who will come again.
“Be on guard! Be alert! You do not know when that time will come.” — Mark 13:33 (NIV)
Advent reminds us that the story of Jesus is both past and future, He came to save, and He will come again to reign.
2. The Purpose of Advent
Advent is meant to slow us down. In a world that rushes toward Christmas with shopping lists, lights, and noise, Advent invites us to pause and reflect on the deeper meaning of the season.
It’s about preparing room, not in our homes, but in our hearts.
“A voice of one calling: ‘In the wilderness prepare the way for the Lord; make straight in the desert a highway for our God.’” — Isaiah 40:3
John the Baptist’s call to prepare the way echoes into our lives today. Advent asks: Have we made space for Christ? Or have we filled our hearts with distractions?
Advent helps us remember that Christmas isn’t just an event, it’s an encounter with God Himself.
3. The Four Themes of Advent
Traditionally, the four weeks of Advent each focus on a central theme, represented by candles on the Advent wreath. Each one tells part of the story of salvation.
Week 1: Hope
The first candle reminds us of the hope that came through God’s promises. Just as Israel waited for the Messiah, we wait in hope for His return.
“The people walking in darkness have seen a great light.” — Isaiah 9:2
Week 2: Peace
The second candle represents peace, the kind that only Jesus can bring.
“For unto us a child is born… and he will be called Prince of Peace.” — Isaiah 9:6
Week 3: Joy
The third candle is often pink, symbolizing joy. It reflects the angel’s message to the shepherds:
“I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people.” — Luke 2:10
Week 4: Love
The final candle reminds us of the depth of God’s love, shown in sending His Son for us.
“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son.”
— John 3:16
Some traditions also include a fifth candle, the Christ Candle, lit on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day, celebrating that the Light of the World has come.
4. How to Observe Advent
Advent isn’t about rituals for their own sake, it’s about reconnecting with the rhythm of God’s story. Here are some simple ways to enter into the spirit of Advent this year:
- Read Scripture daily. Focus on the prophecies of the Messiah and the story of Jesus’ birth.
- Light an Advent wreath. Whether at home or church, let each candle remind you of Christ’s presence and promises.
- Pray with expectation. Ask God to renew your hope, peace, joy, and love during this season.
- Practice stillness. Slow down. Listen. Worship. Let Advent become a holy pause before the celebration of Christmas.
Advent is about making space for wonder again, remembering that the Savior of the world stepped into our darkness to bring light.
5. Why Advent Still Matters
In a culture that celebrates Christmas long before December even begins, Advent helps us remember what we’re really celebrating. It grounds us. It draws our eyes back to Jesus.
When we live with an Advent mindset, we carry a deeper sense of hope into every season, not just at Christmas, but year-round. Because Advent reminds us that God keeps His promises.
“The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us.”
— John 1:14
The same God who came near in Bethlehem still comes near to us today.
Waiting with Hope
Advent teaches us to wait well, not with frustration, but with faith. Just as Israel waited centuries for the Messiah’s first coming, we now wait for His glorious return.
But as we wait, we live in hope, because the promise has already begun to unfold. The light has come, and darkness will never overcome it.
Still Have Questions?
We’d love to walk with you as you experience the meaning of Advent and prepare your heart for Christmas. Reach out to us, you’re not waiting alone.