Rediscovering True Advent
In the rush of the holiday season, it is easy to lose sight of what truly matters. We live in a world consumed by materialism, where joy is often measured by what we can buy. Yet Advent is meant for something far greater—it is a time to fix our hearts on the eternal treasure found in Christ. This sacred season invites us to wait, and prepare for the coming of our Savior, not indulge in the fleeting excitement of worldly gifts.
Advent is the four-week season leading up to Christmas, beginning on the fourth Sunday before December 25. It is a time of anticipation, a season to focus our hearts and minds on the fulfillment of God’s promise in the person and work of His Son. This is a time set apart—a time to slow down, reflect, and prepare for the arrival of Christ.
Fun Fact: The Christmas season actually begins on December 25th and lasts through January 5th; the Twelve Days of Christmas.
What Is Advent?
Advent, meaning "coming" or "arrival," is a season for us to focus on both comings of Christ: His humble birth in Bethlehem and His glorious return as King. As we reflect on the birth of the Messiah, we also look forward to His anticipated return. Advent invites us to prepare our hearts and minds through repentance and by drawing near to the Lord. Through Scripture—especially passages from Isaiah and the Gospels—we are reminded of God’s faithfulness in fulfilling His promises. These readings immerse us in the story of Christ’s arrival and rekindle the hope we have in His return.
Scripture Reading
You can use an Advent devotional or create a simple reading plan to guide your reflections. Here are some suggested passages:
Psalm 96, 122, 146:5-10
Isaiah 2:2-5, 7:10-14, 9:2-7, 11:1-10, 35:1-10, 40:3-5, 53
Gospels: Matthew 2:10-11, Luke 1:26-38, 2:8-40, John 1:1-14, 3:16
Epistles: Romans 13:11-14, Philippians 4:6-7, 1 John 4:10, Titus 2:11-14
The Purpose of Advent
While the outward expressions of Advent may differ among denominations, they are unified in their focus: the glorious, hope-filled arrival of Jesus, our Savior and Redeemer. As followers of Christ, we are called to reject the empty promises and fleeting values of this world. Romans 12:2 commands, "Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—His good, pleasing, and perfect will." Advent is not a countdown to material gifts; it is a holy season to step away from the distractions of this world and prepare our hearts for the greatest gift ever given—our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
The Advent Wreath
The Advent wreath symbolizes the eternity of God’s promises. You can enhance your Advent wreath with rosemary sprigs for remembrance and lavender for peace, connecting the physical and spiritual reminders of the season. The candles represent the core themes of Advent:
Hope (Prophet's Candle): lit on the first Sunday, this candle reminds us of the hope foretold by Old Testament prophets and fulfilled in Christ.
Peace (Bethlehem Candle): lit on the second Sunday, symbolizes peace, reminding us to rest in the peace of Christ.
Joy (Shepherd's Candle): lit on the third Sunday, represents the joy of the good news of Jesus’ birth, and invites us to rejoice like the shepherds who celebrated the Savior’s birth.
Love (Angel's Candle): lit on the fourth Sunday, represents the love shown in God’s redemptive plan; we are reminded of the depth of God’s love for us and our call to love others in return.
Christ Candle (optional): white candle lit on Christmas Eve, signifying the arrival of the Light of the World.
Honoring Advent
Lighting the Advent candles is a sacred moment to pause, worship, and reflect on the profound truth that Christ, the eternal Son of God, entered our broken world to redeem our souls. We also look with eager anticipation to His return, when He will restore our bodies and make all things new. Each flame symbolizes the increasing light of Christ, reminding us that He is Emmanuel—God with us.
Create Moments of Quiet Reflection
Advent invites us to pause and consider the wonder of the Incarnation—God becoming flesh to dwell among us. In the noise and rush of the season, carve out time daily to read and meditate on Scripture, pray, and worship the Lord Almighty.
Optional: Brew a warming herbal tea, such as chamomile and cinnamon, linden and clove, or lemon balm and cardamom, to sip during your quiet time. The warmth of the tea can serve as a physical reminder of the comfort and peace found in Christ.
Practice Generosity
Reflect God’s love through acts of service and giving. Consider creating care packages for those in need or crafting homemade gifts like lavender sachets or spiced teas to share the joy of Christ.
"...remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: 'It is more blessed to give than to receive.'" — Acts 20:35
Worship as a Family
Advent provides a wonderful opportunity to teach children the true meaning of Christmas. Spend time as a family reading Scripture, singing hymns such as “O Come, O Come Emmanuel,” and praying together.
Daily Devotional: Choose a passage to read together each day, focusing on the promises of God fulfilled in Christ. Optionally, you can add an aromatic element to this time by diffusing essential oils such as juniper, cedarwood, frankincense, and myrrh; Ezekiel 27:5, and Matthew 2:11.
Embrace Simplicity
Advent calls us to resist the allure of excess and the distractions of a world bent on materialism—intentional misdirections of the enemy. This season beckons us to simplify, to strip away the noise and clutter, and to fix our eyes on what is eternal: the incarnation of Christ and the promise of His glorious return. Let us set our hearts on Him, for He alone is the true gift of the season.
DIY Advent Wreath
Create a simple wreath or table arrangement using sprigs of aromatic greenery. Add candles to reflect hope, peace, joy, and love. This simple craft brings natural beauty into your home as you anticipate Christ’s coming.
Suggested Materials
Sprigs of greenery: rosemary, cedar, pine, or other evergreen branches
Pinecones, acorns, or other natural elements
Cinnamon sticks, star anise
Dried citrus slices
4-5 candles, purchased or homemade
Mason jars or votive holders
Colored ribbon (in purple, pink, and white)
Scripture tags (for each candle’s theme)
Create the Base Arrangement
Using a tray or plate, lay out your greenery and other natural elements. Begin with the sprigs of rosemary, cedar, or pine, arranging them in a circle or around the perimeter of the base. These evergreens symbolize God's eternal faithfulness. Scatter pinecones, acorns, dried fruit, and cinnamon sticks among the greenery to add texture and a seasonal scent. These represent nature's beauty and the warmth of the season.
Make the Advent Candles
For each theme (Hope, Peace, Joy, and Love), place a candle in a mason jar or votive holder
Tie a ribbon around each jar or votive holder
Attach a tag to each jar or votive holder, with the theme written on the front and a Scripture verse on the back. For example:
Hope: “The people walking in darkness have seen a great light…” (Isaiah 9:2)
Peace: “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you.” (John 14:27)
Joy: “I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people.” (Luke 2:10)
Love: “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son…” (John 3:16)
Christ: “The Light of the World” (John 8:12)
Light one candle each Sunday, concluding with the Christ Candle on Christmas Eve.
Closing Thought
Advent is not about tinsel and lights but about the Light of the World. As we prepare our hearts to celebrate the birth of Christ and anticipate His return, may we remember that Advent calls us to worship.
This season, resist the siren call of consumerism and reclaim the quiet joy of waiting. Light your candles, and reflect on the hope, peace, joy, and love found in Jesus Christ.
“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” — Isaiah 9:6
Comments