What does Advent signify?

Meaning and Purpose

Advent centers on the theme of “coming” or “arrival,” derived from the Latin term “adventus.” It marks a designated period of reflection and anticipation, pointing to two pivotal events: the birth of Jesus Christ and His promised return. Both of these moments underscore hope, renewal, and the fulfillment of promises recorded in Scripture.

Biblical Roots

The concept of a Savior’s advent appears throughout the Old Testament. In one instance, Isaiah 7:14 proclaims, “Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: Behold, the virgin will conceive and bear a son, and shall call His name Immanuel.” This promise foretells the coming of the Messiah.

In the New Testament, believers see this prophecy fulfilled in the incarnation of Jesus (Matthew 1:22–23). The Gospels highlight reverence and expectation around Christ’s arrival, as the angels proclaim “good news” at His birth (Luke 2:10–11). The Advent season embodies that same expectancy for His second coming, as described in passages such as 1 Thessalonians 4:16–17.

Historical Development

Early Christian communities emphasized Christ’s incarnation and steadfast expectation for His return. Over centuries, church traditions formed a more formal period of preparation rooted in these biblical themes:

• By the late fourth century, regional councils and writings began to reference a preparatory season recalling Christ’s first coming and anticipating His eventual return.

• Eventually, a structure took shape in the Western Church, often observed across four Sundays before Christmas.

• This period incorporated themes of repentance, fasting, and reflection on Old Testament prophecies and their fulfillment in Jesus.

Old Testament Foreshadowing

1. Promise of Salvation

From the earliest pages of Genesis (Genesis 3:15), there is a glimpse of humanity’s need for redemption. Ancient Israel’s history is woven with signs and symbols pointing to a future deliverer, including the Abrahamic covenant (Genesis 12:1–3) and the Davidic line (2 Samuel 7:12–13).

2. Messianic Titles

Passages like Isaiah 9:6 ascribe titles—“Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace”—revealing not just the Messiah’s arrival but His divine status and lasting kingdom.

Fulfillment in the New Testament

1. Jesus’ First Coming

The Gospels narrate the birth of Jesus in precise historical contexts, linking His arrival to direct prophecies (Matthew 2:4–6 referencing Micah 5:2). They emphasize that the child born in Bethlehem was the long-anticipated Savior who inaugurated the kingdom of God.

2. Anticipation of the Second Coming

The Advent season also looks ahead to Christ’s promised return: “For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a loud command” (1 Thessalonians 4:16). This second advent calls believers to hope, watchfulness, and faithfulness.

Spiritual Significance

1. Hope and Expectation

Hope undergirds Advent. Believers contemplate the promise that every longing finds its resolution in Christ—both His first coming in humility and His second coming in glory.

2. Reflection and Repentance

Many traditions incorporate a time of introspection, echoing the encouragement elsewhere in Scripture: “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand” (Matthew 3:2). Such reflection prepares hearts to receive the message of spiritual renewal and redemption.

3. Joy in Fulfillment

Advent is also a celebration of fulfillment. The expectation of the Messiah is no longer a distant dream. Through the child in Bethlehem, declared by angels to be “good news that will cause great joy for all the people” (Luke 2:10), believers find assurance that the Redeemer has come.

Practices and Traditions

1. Four Sundays Before Christmas

In many contexts, Advent is commemorated on the four Sundays leading to December 25. Families and congregations may light Advent candles symbolizing hope, peace, joy, and love, culminating in the Christ candle on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day.

2. Scripture Readings and Music

A typical Advent observance includes readings from Old Testament prophecies and New Testament accounts of Christ’s birth and return. Hymns and carols reflect themes of anticipation (e.g., “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel”) and invite worshipers to enter the biblical narrative of waiting and rejoicing.

3. Periods of Fasting or Sacrifice

Certain historical traditions introduce fasting or acts of charity, helping maintain the spirit of humility that sets the stage for Christmas. This echoes the broader biblical principle of humility before God and care for others (see Philippians 2:3–4).

Connecting Past and Future

Advent bridges the yearning of ancient Israel with the ongoing hope for the future. The same prophecies fulfilled in Christ’s birth point forward to the consummation of God’s plan when He will make all things new (Revelation 21:5). Thus, Advent looks back to Christ’s first coming in the manger and toward His ultimate return in majesty.

Comprehensive Themes

• Biblical Consistency: From Genesis through Revelation, Scripture presents one continuous message of redemption. Advent affirms this unity by highlighting prophecy and fulfillment.

• God’s Faithfulness: The season underscores how faithfully God keeps promises—evident in Christ’s coming and trustworthy for future events.

• Invitation to Watchfulness: In the Gospels, Christ repeatedly teaches about staying vigilant for His return (Matthew 24:42). Advent nurtures this mindset of readiness and patient endurance.

Conclusion

Advent signifies a time of profound expectation and joyful preparation, merging the anticipation of the Messiah’s first coming with the future hope of His return. It cultivates remembrance and aspiration, guided by the prophecies of the Old Testament and the affirmations of the New Testament. Centered on faith, hope, and love, Advent reminds all who observe it to proclaim the good news of Christ’s birth and to eagerly await His promised second advent.