The word “advent” comes from the Latin word “advenio,” meaning “coming” or “arrival” of a notable person, thing, or event. The ancient Christian church celebrated Advent as the beginning of the new church year. And in much the same way we celebrate New Year’s Day as the beginning of a new year, they considered the season of Advent a fresh start in faith and worship for the following 12 months.
Advent is intended to be a month of preparation and anticipation of the celebration of Jesus’ first coming, His first advent. It is similar to the season of Lent, which is a time of reflection and anticipation of Easter Sunday.
A Month of Sundays
Advent begins on the fourth Sunday before Christmas. On each Sunday leading up to Christmas day, a specific gift brought by Jesus in His incarnation is remembered and celebrated — specifically, hope, love, joy, and peace. For each gift, a representative candle is lit. Churches select songs, Bible readings, and messages that reflect the gift being celebrated.
With Christmas approaching and festivities increasing, focusing on Jesus and His incarnation will calm the soul, warm the heart, and purpose the mind to make Jesus the real reason for the season.
Anticipation with Both Soon and Far Fulfillment
Advent is four weeks of mediation on that which “was” — Jesus’ first advent — and anticipation of Christmas day. But we should also anticipate what is to come — the Lord’s second advent, His glorious return to set up His kingdom on earth. This kingdom of hope, love, joy, and peace has been promised by God and will be fulfilled by Jesus. The whole earth will rest, and Jesus will reign in righteousness as King of kings and Lord of lords.
Celebrating Advent
Each Sunday during Advent, a candle is lit on the Advent Wreath. P is the traditional color of the four candles (although some churches use blue and some use a pink candle on the third Sunday). The color purple symbolizes royalty. It represents the King who came in a lowly cradle and will come again in majesty and power. The four candles represent 1) prophetic hope, 2) promised love, 3) joy in Jesus, and 4) perfect peace. In addition to the four candles that circle the wreath, a fifth candle is placed in the center. It is the “Christ Candle,” and it is lit on Christmas Day, signifying the arrival of Jesus. The candle is white to represent the purity of our sinless Saviour, and its flame reminds us of the Light of the World who came to dwell with us.
Week 1: HOPE Candle – Prophecy Gives Hope
Click to watch a short video of prophetic hope!
Week 2: LOVE Candle – Promise Reveals Love
Click to watch a short video of promised love!
LOVE Advent Candle 2 – Promise Reveals Love (video)
Week 3: JOY Candle – Joy in Jesus
Click to watch a short video of joy in Jesus!
JOY Advent Candle 3 – Jesus Is Our Joy (video)
Week 4: PEACE Candle – Perfect Peace
Click to watch a short video of perfect peace!
PEACE Advent Candle 4 – Pause to Find Peace (video)
CHRISTMAS DAY: Light of the World
The perfect Saviour, promised by God, prophesied of by the prophets, came in peace and brought light and joy into the world.
Week 3: JOY Candle – Joy in Jesus
Click to watch a short video of joy in Jesus!
JOY Advent Candle 3 – Jesus Is Our Joy (video)
Week 4: PEACE Candle – Perfect Peace
CHRISTMAS DAY: Light of the World
The perfect Saviour, promised by God, prophesied of by the prophets, came in peace and brought light and joy into the world.
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Do You Know Jesus?
The Bible clearly states that everyone has sinned and fallen short of God's glory (Romans 3:23). It also emphasizes that while the wages of sin is death, God offers us the incredible gift of eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord (Romans 6:23).
If you have not yet accepted Jesus as your Lord and Savior, know that today is the day of salvation (Acts 28). Turn away from your sinful past and turn to Jesus. Remember, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord Jesus Christ will be saved” (Romans 10:13). Don’t wait—find hope and redemption!
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***A Hidden Message in Psalm 23?***
Hidden in the six verses of Psalm 23 are 11 names for Jesus. When you subscribe to our newsletter, we’ll send you The Names of God in Psalm 23 PDF that reveals all 11 names and Scripture verses of comfort and hope (link will be sent in your confirmation email).
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There is much to be learned from those who have gone before us in the faith. Check out our Cloud of Witnesses category that features the words of departed saints who are now with the Lord in glory. Their words equip and encourage us even to this day. Take a few minutes to hear...
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2024's TOP TEN Videos from Reasons for Hope* Jesus
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