What Is Advent?

Posted by Tsedey Tadesse, Contributing Writer, on Nov 22, 2023

What Is Advent?

It seems like everyone's been given permission to set up our Christmas trees early this year. Some of us have had them up for at least a month! Why? We’re all eager to enjoy some seasonal festivity. And holiday traditions anchor us as they bring cheer into our homes. The centuries-old observation of Advent is one meaningful example—and it’s an easy way to enrich your own Christmas celebration this year.

Most of us who grew up in today’s churches may not be familiar with Advent. Advent is from the Latin word coming. It is the period observed in Christian churches leading up to Christmas. It includes the four preceding Sundays to Christmas. For 2023, Advent will begin on Sunday, December 3 and end on Sunday, December 24.

Throughout Advent, participants light candles and read Scripture surrounding the Advent, or coming, of Jesus Christ. Advent is the preparation for the celebration of Jesus’ birth. It’s a time of anticipation when we observe His first coming and look forward to His second coming. It’s a time of hope, peace, joy, and love.

What Is the Meaning of Advent?

Advent is a season when we remember the longing of the Jews for a Messiah. When it was time for His birth, God revealed it to very few people (i.e., Mary, Joseph, and Elizabeth). Then, on the day He was born, God chose to reveal His birth to the shepherds who were considered to be part of the lower class, demonstrating the love and joy that was entering the world was a love and joy for all.

As His birth was foretold and fulfilled, His second coming is promised as well. Advent also represents our own longing and need for forgiveness, salvation, and a new beginning. His salvation is open to whoever believes. And when we put our trust in Jesus, we look forward to His second coming when peace and love will reign on earth.

What Are the Symbols of Advent?

Each week of Advent, we light candles to represent its different parts. Traditionally, four candles stand in a circle around a white candle in the middle. The four candles represent the Sundays of Advent. Three of the four candles are typically purple to represent repentance and the sovereignty of Jesus Christ. Some churches might use other colors such as blue. The candle for the third week of Advent (i.e., the Shepherd’s Candle) is pink to represent joy and celebration. Each candle holds a special significance.

  • The Prophet’s Candle symbolizes hope.
  • The Bethlehem Candle symbolizes faith.
  • The Shepherd’s Candle symbolizes joy.
  • The Angel’s Candle symbolizes peace.
  • Christ’s Candle (the white candle) symbolizes light and purity and is lit on Christmas Day.

How Do We Celebrate Advent?

In many churches today, Advent is a time of fasting, praying, reading the Bible, and lighting the candles. Each candle represents the hope, faith, joy, and peace that are often associated with the Christmas season.

During this special season, some families choose to make an Advent wreath and light the traditional candles as they follow a written devotional guide. Some families celebrate by making Advent calendars and Jesse trees. Some might simply bake homemade goodies with Christmas symbols or participate in outdoor family activities such as looking at Christmas lights.

Two other excellent online resources to enjoy and enrich your Advent: The Bible Project Advent video series and the The Advent Project from Biola University’s Center for Christianity, Culture, and the Arts (which delivers a new devotional with Scripture, poetry, music, and a reflection to your inbox each day).

No matter whether you have celebrated Advent in the past, let’s celebrate this year’s Advent season together by remembering the reason for the season. During this era of "more" and "big," rather than getting caught up in the gifts and decorations (which can be stressful), why don’t we start a new tradition in our family?

We've got more resources to help make this Christmas a magical one. Sign up for holiday emails, and we’ll deliver them right to your inbox!


Share This:

Recent Stories

Swipe to Discover more

Merry and Melancholy: How to Find Joy after Loss

Dec 05, 2023

For many, this Christmas is tinged with loss. How can we move toward joy while being honest about our sadness? Read some practical tips from someone who has walked the journey of grief.


10 Favorite Family Christmas Movies (with Bonus Holiday Snack Recipes)

Dec 01, 2023

The holidays are here! Gather your loved ones and celebrate with 10 of the best family Christmas movies (and some delicious homemade popcorn and hot cocoa recipes).


The History of Santa Claus: From Man of Faith to Christmas Symbol

Nov 24, 2023

What's the history behind Santa Claus, beloved Christmas symbol? Read more about Old St. Nick's journey from real-life person of faith to holiday icon, here.


What Is Advent?

Nov 22, 2023

Holiday traditions anchor us as they bring cheer into our homes. Explore the centuries-old tradition of Advent and how it can enrich your own Christmas celebration.


Five Free Christmas Light Displays in DFW for 2023

Nov 18, 2023

Looking to brighten up your holiday mood? Learn the history behind those twinkling Christmas lights, and to find some of the best free neighborhood displays around town.


Meet Tracy Parlin, Director of the Local Good Pantry

Nov 15, 2023

Get to know Tracy Parlin, the Director of the new Local Good Pantry in Richardson.


Sensory-friendly DFW Holiday Events for 2023

Nov 15, 2023

Looking for some fun, sensory-friendly holiday happenings in DFW this year? We've found some great events to enjoy with friends and loved ones in 2023.


Satisfied?

Nov 13, 2023

What do we do when the "happiest" time of the year isn't that happy, or when the things we yearn and strive for still leave us unsatisfied?


Seven Family-Friendly DFW Christmas Events for 2023

Nov 05, 2023

It's Christmas time! Find a list of seven family-friendly holiday events happening around DFW in 2023.


4 Key #HolidayGoals for the Holiday Season

Oct 27, 2023

The holidays are almost here! Don't let them pass by in a blur; use these 4 key goals to help yourself and loved ones make the most of this special season.