What is “Advent” - Really?

The traditional Advent season invites participants into four weeks of deep reflection on the advent, or arrival, of God in Jesus of Nazareth, as well as on his promised return. From focused prayer and Scripture reading, to candled wreaths and embellished calendars, Advent celebrations vary widely. But all Advent practices share a heightened anticipation of God’s arrival. More than a countdown to Christmas, Advent embraces the way of Jesus and encourages hopeful waiting, courageous peace-making, resilient joy, and self-giving love in our still-suffering world (reflecting one of the more common thematic approaches to the four weeks of Advent).

For many, “advent” means a countdown to Christmas. Whether we envision candy-filled Advent calendars or lights draped over houses with nativity scenes out front, Advent can mark a happy season of celebrating.

But the word “advent” comes from the Latin adventus, which is about a “coming” or an “arrival.” The Latin translation of the New Testament uses adventus to describe God the Son arriving on Earth, born as Jesus of Nazareth during the 1st century C.E. (see, Acts 7:52). Still, throughout Church history, Advent has more traditionally referred to Jesus’ future arrival (or “second coming”), when he comes to complete his work of restoring all creation (see, Matt. 24:27; 1 Cor. 15:23; 1 Thess. 3:13).

The Advent season leads to the celebration of Jesus’ birth and also emphasizes his future arrival. It’s a season that includes practices like prayer, giving to those in need, and worship (plus more, depending on the tradition). And it reminds us that we’re living during the time between Jesus’ first and second advents (or “coming”), leading us to lament the hardships we experience in a still-broken world, while also forming us into people who wait with longing for the renewed world to come. 

Celebrating Advent also means living into it by practicing a generous way of love and care for our neighbors as we partner with Jesus to bring peace on Earth. Advent is a time to slow down, to practice patience, and to wait – as we anticipate the coming (first and second) of the Prince of Peace.