What Is Advent?

So what is Advent? Is it some stuck-up, snobbish holiday? Is it something only big denominations celebrate? Is it just simply a High-Church, high-brow holiday?

Want the answer? Read on.

What Advent Is Not

Let's first talk about what it isn't.

It isn't a High-Church, high-brow holiday.
It isn't only for large denominations. (My church is tiny and celebrates it.)
It isn't for stuck-up snobs. (In fact, it's just the opposite!)

What Is Advent Really?

Okay. Okay. What is Advent really? It is the season of anticipation and preparation leading up to Christmas. It celebrates Christ's first coming to prepare us for His second coming. In short, Advent prepares us to remember what Christmas is really about.

It isn't about the presents.
It isn't about the food.
It isn't about getting together with family.

Certainly, those things are important in their own way. But Advent shows us a better way. It shows us that Christmas is all about Jesus Christ who came to take care of our sins! (See 1 Timothy 1:15, Romans 5:8 and Luke 19:10.)

Lonely Advent Wreath with Colored Candles

But Advent is more than simply a countdown to Christmas. It's a spiritual journey that spans the four Sundays before Christmas. Each is marked by a different theme.

First Sunday: Hope
Second Sunday: Peace
Third Sunday: Joy
Fourth Sunday Love

Traditionally, candles are lit on an Advent wreath to symbolize these truths. The deeper purpose is to draw our hearts toward Christ in remembrance, renewal, and rejoicing.

The candles may be different colors, depending on the tradition. We use three purple and a pink. These represent the hope, peace, joy and love we have in Jesus our Lord and Savior, who is represented by a large white candle in the middle.

Advent Themes Chart

Week	Theme	Scripture Example	Reflection Note
1	Hope	Isaiah 9:2–7	Christ’s coming fulfills God’s promises, giving hope in the midst of darkness.
2	Peace	John 14:27	Jesus offers peace that surpasses the world’s troubles and fears.
3	Joy	Luke 2:10–11	The angel’s announcement brings joy to all people through the birth of Christ.
4	Love	1 John 4:9–10	God’s love is revealed in sending His Son as Savior of the world.

Where Did Advent Come From?

Advent has its roots in the early centuries of the Christian church. The term comes from the Latin adventus, meaning “coming” or “arrival.” It translates the Greek parousia, used in the New Testament to describe Christ’s return.

By the late 4th and 5th centuries, churches began setting aside days of preparation before celebrating the holiday season. Councils in the sixth century formalized Advent as a season of fasting, prayer, and expectation. This marked it as the beginning of the liturgical year in Western Christianity.

What Is Advent? Key Aspects

Expectation

Advent reminds us of Israel’s longing for the Messiah and our own anticipation of Christ’s return.

We need forgiveness for our sins. Christ came to take care of that the first time. The next time, He's coming back to be with us. That's something we should look forward to.

Preparation

It calls us to examine our hearts, repent, and ready ourselves spiritually.

Jesus told the story of the Ten Virgins (Matthew 25:1–13). Five were ready. Five weren't.

Which group are you in?

Joy

The season celebrates the joy of salvation fulfilled in Jesus. What greater joy can we have than the joy of salvation?

Hope

Advent centers on the confidence that God’s promises are trustworthy and certain. We don't have to worry about our eternal destiny if Jesus is our Lord and Savior. This gives us the surest hope.

What Is Advent? Its Meaning

Advent should be more than a liturgical tradition to us. It is a spiritual discipline. For us today, Advent is a time to consider three ideas.

Remember Christ’s birth and God’s faithfulness.
Renew our commitment to live faithfully in the present.
Rejoice in the promise of His coming again.

Advent Reflection Choices

Reflection Choices

Advent offers us opportunities for deeper study and meditation. If you want to try an Advent-themed Bible study, here are some ideas.

Prophecy – Explore Old Testament promises of the Messiah.
Incarnation – Reflect on Christ’s birth and its meaning.
Second Coming – Consider the hope of His return.

Advent Reflection Focus Chart

Focus	Theme Connection	Scripture Example	Reflection Note
Prophecy	Hope	Isaiah 9:2–7	God’s promises foretold centuries before Christ’s birth, anchoring our hope in His faithfulness.
Incarnation	Joy	Luke 2:10–11	The good news of great joy revealed in Christ’s birth, showing God’s humility and love.
Second Coming	Peace & Love	John 14:27; Revelation 22:20	Christ’s return brings lasting peace and fulfillment of every promise.

Closing Thoughts

What is Advent? Let's consider three ideas as we close answering this question.

It is a season of waiting, but not of idleness.
It is a season of child-like hope, but not childish foolishness.
It is a season to consider Christ more deeply, not indulge in selfishness more readily.

As you begin your Bible study journey, let Advent remind you that God’s promises are sure, His timing is perfect, and His presence is near. After all, anything we do can and should bring glory to God (1 Corinthians 10:31).

Soli Deo Gloria