What is Advent?
During the holiday season at Mt. Bethel Church, we join other believers across the world in observing Advent, a season marked by anticipation, reflection, and hope. But what exactly is Advent, and why do Christians celebrate it?
Advent, which comes from the Latin word adventus meaning “coming” or “arrival,” is a season observed by many Christians as a time of expectant waiting and preparation for both the celebration of Jesus Christ’s birth at Christmas and His anticipated second coming. Advent typically begins on the fourth Sunday before Christmas, marking the start of the Christian liturgical year. This year, Advent begins on December 1st and runs until Christmas Eve.
The Advent season has rich symbolism, filled with themes of hope, peace, joy, and love. It’s a time to focus on God’s promise to bring light into a world often shadowed by darkness. Each of the four Sundays leading up to Christmas highlights one of these virtues, guiding believers through prayer, reflection, and often the lighting of candles on an Advent wreath.
The Advent wreath itself is a well-known tradition that features four candles-three purple (or blue) and one pink– usually arranged in a circle (representing the eternity of God and the everlasting life available through faith in Christ) around a white fifth candle. Each candle not only represents a specific advent theme, but also has a specific name that represents part of the Christmas story:
- The first purple candle is known as the Prophecy Candle. It signifies the hope of the Savior talked about by the prophets of the Old Testament.
- The second purple candle is called the Bethlehem Candle as it represents peace and readiness. It calls to mind for believers the journey Mary and Joseph traveled to Bethlehem and the peace that Jesus’ birth offers to us.
- The third candle–the Shepherd’s Candle–is pink and celebrates the joy of Christ’s arrival, the joy proclaimed to the shepherds, and the joy we experience as we await His return.
- The fourth candle, colored purple, is known as the Angel’s Candle. It reminds us of the profound message of love declared by the angels on the night of Christ’s birth.
- The center candle is named the Christ Candle because when lit, it symbolizes Jesus, the light of the world, who has come to dwell among us.
Each week, starting with the Prophecy Candle on the fourth Sunday before Christmas and ending with the Christ Candle on Christmas Eve, one additional candle is lit, building anticipation until all four outer candles are glowing.
So, why does Advent matter? In a culture that often rushes through November and December with gift-giving and holiday parties, Advent offers a chance to slow down. It calls us to reflect on the true meaning of Christmas—God’s love, embodied in the arrival of Jesus, which brings hope to all of humanity. Through Advent, Christians are reminded to prepare their hearts, not just their homes, for the holiday season.
Observing Advent can also be a powerful way to share the story of Jesus with friends and family who may not be familiar with its significance. Inviting them to attend Advent services or simply sharing traditions, such as lighting the Advent candles together, can spark meaningful conversations about faith and hope.
This Advent season, take a moment to pause, reflect, and remember the profound love that Christmas celebrates. Advent invites us all to draw near to God and renew our anticipation of His ongoing work in the world.
Mt. Bethel Church observes Advent each Sunday in December. You’re invited to join us for services at 9:30am or 11am ET each Sunday in-person or online. Our staff and several members of our church have also put together this Advent devotional to help you reflect each day during the Advent season.