What is Advent?

from the old testament

• The Old Testament lays the foundation for Advent through prophecies and promises of the coming Messiah. For example, Isaiah 7:14 prophesies that the Messiah would miraculously be born of a virgin and that He shall be called Immanuel. These Scriptures express the hope and longing of God’s people for rescue, justice, and redemption.
• The first promise of a Savior who would defeat evil is found in Genesis 3:15. Known as the protoevangelium, this prophecy sets the stage for the coming of Christ.
• Isaiah 9:6-7 foretells the coming King who will reign in peace and justice.
• Micah 5:2 prophesies the birthplace of the Messiah.

from the new testament

• The New Testament records the fulfillment of the promises regarding the birth of Jesus Christ and continues the Advent theme by reminding believers to anticipate His return. For example, Luke 1-2 with the stories of Mary, Joseph, Zechariah, Elizabeth, the shepherds, and Simeon all reflect the joy of fulfilled promises. These chapters are central to Advent readings and celebrations.
• John 1:14 celebrates the incarnation—God coming to dwell with us.
• Matthew 1:22-23 connects Jesus’ birth directly to the prophecy in Isaiah, emphasizing the fulfillment of Old Testament promises.
• In Romans 15:12-13, Paul ties Jesus to Old Testament prophecy and prays that believers overflow with hope as they trust in Him. Celebrating Advent helps us remember the hope, love, joy, and peace we have in Christ.
• Revelation 22:20 is a reminder that we still await an Advent of Jesus’ return. Advent, for believers, therefore, is not just about remembering Jesus' first coming but also waiting in hope for His return.

implications for today

The word Advent comes from the Latin word adventus, meaning "coming." During Advent, Christians around the world set aside time to reflect on and celebrate the coming of Jesus, His arrival in Bethlehem as the promised Savior. While the official season of Advent begins on the fourth Sunday before Christmas, many families and churches begin their observance on December 1 with daily or weekly rhythms of Scripture, prayer, and song.

Advent is a beautiful opportunity to slow down and prepare our hearts for the wonder of Christ’s birth. Each of the four Sundays typically focuses on a theme—Hope, Faith (or Prophets), Joy, and Peace—often marked by the lighting of candles and reading of key Scriptures. The first Sunday points to the hope found in God’s promises. The second recalls the voices of the prophets who foretold the coming Messiah. The third, known as Gaudete Sunday, emphasizes joy, drawing from the angelic announcement to the shepherds. The fourth centers on peace and the angelic proclamation of Christ’s birth. Many Advent wreaths also include a fifth candle, the Christ Candle, lit on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day to celebrate the Light of the world entering our darkness.

Is Advent biblical? While the season itself developed later in church history, it is grounded in the biblical story of Jesus’ birth and rich with Scripture. Observing Advent is not a requirement for Christians, but it can be a meaningful way to focus our attention on Jesus during a season that can otherwise become rushed and distracted.

Advent can be deeply meaningful for individuals, families, and churches. Whether through lighting candles, reading the Bible together, singing carols, or reflecting in prayer, these practices help us prepare our hearts—not just our homes—for Christmas. More than a countdown, Advent is an invitation to pause, reflect, and rejoice in the incredible truth that God came near. Whether we celebrate Advent or not, may we approach the Christmas season with intention, keeping our eyes on the wonder of Jesus, our Savior and King.