The Heart of Advent: Waiting With Expectation

Advent is a treasure often buried beneath the hustle and bustle of the holidays. It’s the four weeks leading up to Christmas, a time to prepare our hearts for the coming of Christ—both His arrival as a baby in Bethlehem and His eventual return as King.

Unlike the fast pace of modern holiday life, Advent invites us to pause, reflect, and focus on what truly matters. It’s a time of quiet anticipation, a season marked by themes of hope, peace, joy, and love. These aren’t just nice words for the season; they’re powerful truths that can reshape how we experience the holidays.

Let’s dive deeper into what Advent is, its history, its significance, and how you can embrace its meaning this season.

What Is Advent?

The word Advent comes from the Latin adventus, meaning “coming” or “arrival.” In the Christian calendar, Advent begins four Sundays before Christmas and ends on Christmas Eve. It’s a time of preparation, both for celebrating Jesus’ birth and for anticipating His future return.

Advent is more than a countdown to Christmas; it’s a heart posture. It mirrors the way Israel waited for their promised Messiah and invites us to live in the tension of waiting—looking back at Christ’s first coming and forward to His return.

The themes of Advent—hope, peace, joy, and love—help us focus on the spiritual significance of the season, reminding us to make room in our hearts for Jesus amid the busyness of life.

 Why Does Advent Matter?

 Advent is a gift in a culture that prizes instant gratification. It teaches us the value of waiting, the beauty of anticipation, and the importance of preparing our hearts for what truly matters.

     1. Advent Grounds Us in Hope.

Hope is the foundation of Advent. Just as the Israelites clung to God’s promises of a Savior, we cling to the hope that Jesus is coming again. In a world full of uncertainty, Advent anchors us in the unchanging promises of God.

     2. Advent Brings Peace in Chaos.

Let’s face it—the holidays can be overwhelming. Advent invites us to step away from the noise and rest in the peace of Christ, the Prince of Peace.

     3. Advent Cultivates Joy.

True joy isn’t found in perfectly wrapped presents or flawless holiday meals. It’s found in the good news that Jesus came to rescue us and that He’s coming again.

     4. Advent Calls Us to Love.

The story of Advent is a love story—God’s love for a broken world, shown through the gift of His Son. 

A Brief History of Advent

 Advent has deep roots in church history, dating back to the 4th and 5th centuries. Initially, it was a time of fasting and repentance, similar to Lent, as Christians prepared for the celebration of Jesus’ birth.

By the Middle Ages, Advent had developed into the season we recognize today—a time of reflection, anticipation, and preparation. The focus shifted to both the celebration of Jesus’ first coming and the expectation of His second coming.

 Advent was marked by prayer, Scripture readings, and communal gatherings. These practices continue in many churches today, helping believers focus on Christ amid the distractions of the season. 

Symbols of Advent

Advent is rich with symbols that deepen its meaning. Let’s explore a few of the most common:

1. The Advent Wreath

The Advent wreath is a circular arrangement of evergreens with four candles—one for each week of Advent. Each candle represents a theme:

   •     Hope (First Week): The first candle reminds us of the prophets’ promises and the hope we have in Christ.

   •     Peace (Second Week): The second candle symbolizes the peace Jesus brings into our hearts and the world.

   •     Joy (Third Week): The third candle, often pink, celebrates the joy of Christ’s coming.

   •     Love (Fourth Week): The final candle represents God’s great love revealed through Jesus.

Some wreaths include a Christ candle, lit on Christmas Eve or Day, celebrating the arrival of Jesus, the Light of the World.

2. Light

Advent candles and lights symbolize Jesus as the Light of the World. As the days grow shorter in December, the growing light of Advent reminds us of the hope and promise of His coming.

 3. Purple and Pink

 Purple, the primary color of Advent, signifies repentance and royalty. The pink candle, lit during the third week, represents joy and serves as a moment of celebration within the reflective season.

 How to Celebrate Advent

Observing Advent doesn’t require elaborate traditions. The beauty of Advent lies in its simplicity and focus. Here are some ways to embrace its meaning:

1. Light an Advent Wreath

 Whether you have a traditional wreath or a simple set of candles, lighting an Advent wreath can be a powerful way to mark the weeks leading up to Christmas. Each week, light the corresponding candle and reflect on the theme—hope, peace, joy, or love.

2. Read Scripture

 Advent is deeply rooted in God’s Word. Daily or weekly Scripture readings can help you focus on the promises of Christ’s coming.

Here’s a simple plan:

   •     Week 1 (Hope): Isaiah 9:2-7, Jeremiah 33:14-16

   •     Week 2 (Peace): Micah 5:2-5a, John 14:27

   •     Week 3 (Joy): Luke 2:8-14, Zephaniah 3:14-17

   •     Week 4 (Love): John 3:16-19, 1 John 4:9-11

Reflect on how each passage points to Jesus and His role in your life.

 3. Create a Jesse Tree

 

The Jesse Tree traces the lineage of Jesus through Scripture, connecting Old Testament stories to the fulfillment of God’s promises in Christ.

   •     Each day, read a Bible story and add a corresponding ornament to the tree.

   •     Examples: a rainbow for Noah, a star for Abraham, or a crown for David.

This practice is especially meaningful for families, helping children see how the whole Bible leads to Jesus.

 4. Practice Quiet Reflection

Set aside time each day to sit quietly with God. Advent is a season of waiting—use this time to listen for His voice and let Him prepare your heart.

Living the Themes of Advent 

Advent isn’t just about reflection; it’s about action. Here’s how you can live out each theme:

 Hope:

   •     Write down three promises from Scripture that bring you hope.

   •     Share a word of encouragement with someone who’s struggling.

 Peace:

   •     Take a break from social media or holiday noise to focus on God’s peace.

   •     Make amends with someone you’ve been at odds with.

 Joy:

   •     Spend time doing something that brings you genuine joy—whether it’s baking, singing, or spending time with loved ones.

   •     Reflect on the joy of your salvation and thank God for His grace.

 Love:

   •     Perform a simple act of kindness, like donating to a local charity or helping a neighbor.

   •     Reflect on God’s love for you and how you can share that love with others.

 

The Heart of Advent: Waiting With Expectation

Advent reminds us that waiting isn’t wasted—it’s sacred. Just as the world waited for the Messiah, we wait in hope for Christ’s return.

As you move through this season, ask yourself:

   •     What am I waiting for in my life right now?

   •     How can I prepare my heart to encounter Jesus in the waiting?

Advent teaches us that God works in the stillness, in the anticipation, and in the longing. It’s a time to trust His timing and lean into His promises, knowing that He is faithful.

 Advent isn’t just a season; it’s a posture of the heart. It’s a reminder to slow down, look up, and let the light of Christ fill every corner of your life. As you light the candles, read the Scriptures, and reflect on the themes of hope, peace, joy, and love, may your heart be drawn closer to the One who is the reason for it all.