Advent is one of the most meaningful seasons in the Christian calendar, yet many believers only associate it with candles, carols, and countdowns to Christmas. But Advent is much deeper. It’s a season that helps us slow down, refocus, and prepare our hearts for Jesus.
What Does “Advent” Mean?
The word Advent comes from the Latin word adventus, which means “coming” or “arrival.”
In the early church, Advent was a time to remember the two “comings” of Christ:
- His first coming — His birth in Bethlehem for which we celebrate Christmas
- His second coming — His future return as King and Judge
So Advent is not just a countdown to Christmas. It’s a season that shapes our hearts to long for Jesus, both as the baby in the manger and as the returning King.
How Did Advent Start?
The practice of Advent goes back to the 4th and 5th centuries in parts of Europe—especially Spain and Gaul (modern-day France).
Some key historical points:
- Early Christians used Advent as a season of preparation, much like Lent.
- It often involved fasting, repentance, and prayer before Christmas baptisms.
- By the 6th century, the church in Rome began shaping Advent into the four-week season we know today.
- By the Middle Ages, Advent became a universal Christian tradition, symbolizing expectation and hope.
So Advent is not a modern invention. It has roots almost as old as the early church itself.
Why Is Advent Considered Holy?
Advent is holy because it shifts our attention from the noise of the world to the hope of the Gospel. All of us can easily get caught up in our professions, family lives, and the pursuit of wealth. Advent reminds us to stop, think, and consider eternity. Jesus said, “What shall it profit a man if he gains the whole world and yet forfeits his own soul”. Think about it for a moment. We cannot and will not take anything we have worked so hard for with us, when we pass away. Our eternity, (the life after) is far more valuable to think and plan for in comparison to our temporary time here on earth. Advent reminds us to stop and reflect on the reality of life.
It is a season set apart for:
• Reflection
We remember why Jesus came—our sin, our need for a Savior, and God’s incredible mercy. Where will we be spending our eternity? Because eternity is inevitable for all, either in heaven or in the other place.
• Anticipation
We look forward to Christ’s return and the ultimate restoration He promised. A world without sorrow, without pain, without sickness, without death, without discrimination, and without wars.
• Preparation
We prepare our hearts, just like Israel waited for the Messiah for centuries.
The holiness of Advent isn’t in the candles or traditions—it’s in the heart posture of worship, waiting, and expectation.
What Do We Do During Advent?
Traditionally, Advent is marked by four major themes—each usually reflected in the four candles of an Advent wreath:
Love, Hope, Peace, and Joy
But practically, this season invites us to do a few simple things:
A. Slow Down and Reflect
Life gets busy as Christmas approaches. Advent is God’s gentle call to pause and remember why Jesus came. It is not all about shopping and gifts and parties.
B. Read Scripture with Purpose
Many believers follow Advent readings focused on prophecy, the birth of Christ, and the promises of His return. It is perhaps a good idea to read one chapter a day from the gospel of Luke from December 1st onwards. That way, you will finish the gospel of Luke by the 24th and prepare you for Christmas on the 25th of December.
C. Pray for a Prepared Heart
Pray for a deeper hunger for God, for repentance, and for renewed faith. This is a great time to repent, make an about turn in life, and pursue after God and godliness.
D. Serve Others
Advent prepares us to receive Jesus by becoming more like Him—generous, compassionate, and humble. Seek out someone whom you can help in some way. Faith without works is dead. Let your faith manifest in generosity and compassion towards someone in need.
E. Worship Intentionally
Worship songs, quiet moments, family devotions, and biblical meditation all help shift our focus from material Christmas to spiritual preparation. Do not just sway to the tunes, but pay attention to the lyrics carefully and worship Him with intentionality. Let your song come out of your heart with genuineness, even if you are not a singer. Worship is not about singing or songs. The bible teaches us that when we present our bodies as living sacrifices to Him, denying ourselves of worldliness and choosing to walk in His will, it is reasonable worship. (Romans 12:2). Each time you battle temptation and choose to obey God, you have worshipped Him.
How to Celebrate Advent
You don’t need to be traditional or liturgical to celebrate Advent meaningfully. Here are simple ways anyone can do it: Or you do not need to do any of it. The important thing is for us to love Him, worship Him, study His Word daily, pray without ceasing, and live a life of godliness. And not just during Advent, but always. However, to make it feel special, you could do the following:
Light an Advent Wreath
Each week represents a theme: Hope, Peace, Joy, and Love.
Lighting a candle once a week (or every night) with a Scripture reading is a powerful family moment.
Read an Advent Devotion Daily
Short reflections help you keep your heart anchored on Christ instead of Christmas chaos.
Create a Prayer List
Write down people or situations you want to pray for each day. Advent softens the heart toward intercession.
Practice “Waiting” on Purpose
Set aside a few quiet minutes daily—no phone, no rushing.
Just you, the Scriptures, and God.
This mirrors Israel’s long wait and strengthens patience and faith.
Do Acts of Kindness
Give, bless, forgive, encourage, and surprise someone with love.
It reflects the generosity of God who gave His Son.
Fast from Something
Even a simple fast (sugar, social media, TV, phone) helps your heart stay focused. If you can fast food and even have just one meal a day or perhaps skip breakfast, it is something. Fast from something!!
Re-read the Nativity Stories
Read Matthew 1–2 and Luke 1–2 as a family.
Let the wonder of Christ’s birth come alive again.
What Makes Advent Different from Christmas?
- Advent is preparation.
- Christmas is celebration.
During Advent we wait, we hope, we realign our hearts.
On Christmas Day, we rejoice because the Promise has arrived. We celebrate Christmas because our Savior came indeed and we are rescued from our sins. We have eternal life because He came, died for our sins in our place, and rose again gaining victory over sin and death. Therefore, there is much to celebrate.
“There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, for the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has set us free from the law of sin and death.” Romans 8:1
Why Advent Still Matters Today
We live in a world full of noise, fear, uncertainty, and distraction.
Advent slows us down and whispers:
“The Savior has come… and He will come again.” Get ready for His return.
It reminds us:
- God keeps His promises
- Darkness will not win
- Jesus is worth the wait
- Our hope is not in this world
- Our King is coming again
That message is as powerful today as it was 2,000 years ago.
Hope this post has helped you understand what Advent is all about.