What is Advent?

Advent is a season of preparation. 

Advent begins four Sundays before Christmas and helps Christians focus on the coming birth of Jesus. Many churches will share in four themed services during the Advent season: hope, peace, joy and love.

Advent is also a time to anticipate the promised return of Jesus in the future. Christians believe that Jesus lived on Earth, died and rose again. They also believe that before Jesus left his friends, he promised he would come back (John 14:3) to bring peace, justice and restoration to the whole world.

There are several ways to embrace Advent. 

Wait in hope 

Waiting is a natural part of life. Advent reminds us that we can always look forward to good and better things. 

The word Advent comes from the Latin ‘adventus’, meaning ‘coming’ or ‘arrival.’ Alongside the practical preparations for Christmas Day, the Advent season invites us to a deeper preparation of our hearts and minds. 

Hope is more than wishful thinking or the certainty of improved circumstances. For Christians, it is the belief that God, in his love, works in all things for good (Romans 8:28). 

Reflect with peace 

In a busy world, Advent calls us to slow down. 

For centuries before his birth, people known as prophets looked forward to God sending someone who would change the world. It is recorded that one of these prophets declared this person would be the ‘Prince of Peace’ (Isaiah 9:6). Christians believe that Jesus was this person. 

During Advent, as well as throughout the year, many Christians find it helpful to pray, to read Scripture and to light candles in remembrance of the peace Jesus brings. 

Often, an Advent wreath made of evergreen branches and four candles, occasionally with a fifth candle to be lit on Christmas Eve or Day, is incorporated into church services to symbolise the steady increase of light as Christmas draws near. 

Celebrate with joy

Advent is about joyful expectation.

Just as a family approaches the arrival of a new baby, or a person counts down to a special event, many people look forward to Christmas Day with excitement for the joy that lies ahead. Throughout the season of Advent, Christians anticipate both the Christmas celebrations and the return of Jesus (Titus 2:13).

While Advent creates space for contemplation and prayerful reflection, Advent is also a time for exercising gratitude and celebrating the gifts that have been given to us.

For some, Advent calendars are a way to practice joy. Each day, the images, Bible verses, chocolates or other treats bring a reminder of the good things that already have come from God and are yet to come through his Son, Jesus Christ.

Living in love

Ultimately, Advent invites us to share in God’s love.

This love is first to be received by us from God, and then to be shared with others (1 John 4:19). When we receive this love, our lives are changed for the better as we can find new purpose, fulfilment and hope.

The ways we can then share that love can be through our care for others and for creation. During Advent, and throughout the year, Christians are encouraged to act in a way that reflects the loving-kindness and generosity God has shown to us.