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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The Top Ten Got Questions? in 2022
- The Meaning of NUMBERS in the Bible?
- Was Jesus CRUCIFIED on Wednesday, Thursday, or Friday?
- Did The Wise Men Arrive 12 DAYS AFTER JESUS’ BIRTH? Or Was It Much Later?
- How long did JOB SUFFER?
- What is the Significance of the Wise Men's THREE GIFTS? And were they kings?
- How are the Shepherd’s ROD and STAFF Different?
- Which Old Testament Book Did JESUS QUOTE most often?
- The Meaning of COLORS in the Bible?
- ONLY ONE LIFE, Twill Soon Be Past – by C.T. Studd (1860 – 1931)
- How was Jesus Like a Worm? What’s the CRIMSON (OR SCARLET) WORM in Psalm 22?
This is not a Got Questions? article. But it's so popular it ranked among the top pages viewed:
More Popular Got Questions
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- What Did Jesus Say About HEAVEN (and HELL)?
- What are the “I Will ” STATEMENTS of Satan, God, and Jesus?
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- Why Was a RAM SACRIFICED in Genesis 22 Instead of a Lamb?
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TOP TEN Videos from Reasons for Hope* Jesus
- Memorial Day BAGPIPES TRIBUTE: Amazing Grace
- RISE AND SHINE and Give God the Glory, Glory!
- WERE YOU THERE When They Crucified My Lord?
- PAUL HARVEY: THE BIRDCAGE
- PRESIDENT RONALD REAGAN: A SOLDIER'S PLEDGE
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- JOHN WAYNE ~ WHY I LOVE AMERICA
- Jimmy Stewart - Nativity Scene Prayer: Mr. Krueger's Christmas
- THE LEGEND OF THE CANDY CANE - A Christmas Story to Share
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- Erwin Lutzer - We Will Not Be SILENCED
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