Topical Encyclopedia Advent is a significant season in the Christian liturgical calendar, observed in anticipation of the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ at Christmas. The term "Advent" is derived from the Latin word "adventus," meaning "coming" or "arrival." This period is marked by a time of expectant waiting and preparation for both the celebration of the Nativity of Christ and the anticipation of His Second Coming.Biblical Foundations The concept of waiting and preparation for the coming of the Messiah is deeply rooted in Scripture. The Old Testament is replete with prophecies concerning the coming of a Savior. Isaiah 7:14 prophesies, "Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: Behold, the virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call Him Immanuel." This prophecy is fulfilled in the New Testament with the birth of Jesus, as recounted in Matthew 1:23. The New Testament also speaks to the anticipation of Christ's return. In Matthew 24:44, Jesus Himself instructs, "For this reason, you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour you do not expect." This dual focus on Christ's first coming and His promised return is central to the observance of Advent. Liturgical Observance Advent traditionally begins on the fourth Sunday before Christmas and lasts until Christmas Eve. It is a time of reflection, prayer, and preparation. The season is often symbolized by the Advent wreath, which holds four candles, each representing one of the four weeks of Advent. The lighting of these candles is accompanied by Scripture readings and hymns that reflect themes of hope, peace, joy, and love. Themes and Practices 1. Hope: The first week of Advent focuses on hope, recalling the hope of the Israelites for the coming Messiah and the hope of Christians for Christ's return. Romans 15:12-13 states, "And again, Isaiah says: 'The Root of Jesse will appear, One who will arise to rule over the Gentiles; in Him the Gentiles will put their hope.' Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you believe in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit." 2. Peace: The second week emphasizes peace, reflecting on the peace that Christ brings to the world. Isaiah 9:6 proclaims, "For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given, and the government will be upon His shoulders. And He will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace." 3. Joy: The third week, often marked by the lighting of a pink candle, celebrates joy. This joy is rooted in the good news of Christ's coming. Luke 2:10-11 records the angel's announcement to the shepherds: "But the angel said to them, 'Do not be afraid! For behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people: Today in the city of David a Savior has been born to you. He is Christ the Lord!'" 4. Love: The final week centers on love, reflecting on God's love manifested in the gift of His Son. John 3:16 declares, "For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that everyone who believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life." Significance in Christian Life Advent serves as a reminder of the faithfulness of God in fulfilling His promises and the call for believers to live in readiness for Christ's return. It is a time to renew one's faith, engage in acts of charity, and deepen one's relationship with God through prayer and reflection. The season encourages Christians to embody the virtues of hope, peace, joy, and love, not only during Advent but throughout their lives. Topical Bible Verses 1 Peter 3:18For Christ also has once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit: Topicalbible.org Revelation 4:1 Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (n.) The approach of an important arrival or event; the period including the four Sundays before Christmas.2. (n.) The first or the expected second coming of Christ. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia ADVENTad'-vent. See INCARNATION; MILLENNIUM; PAROUSIA. Greek 3952. parousia -- a presence, a coming ... of Speech: Noun, Feminine Transliteration: parousia Phonetic Spelling: (par-oo-see'-ah) Short Definition: presence, a coming, arrival, advent Definition: ( ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/3952.htm - 7k 1660. eleusis -- a coming 2015. epiphaneia -- appearance 3824. paliggenesia -- regeneration, renewal Library Advent The Village Pulpit, Volume II. Trinity to Advent Advent the Deliverer. Advent The Angels of the Advent. Advent the Dayspring from on High. Advent the New Year. Advent Lessons Advent Sunday. Preparation for Advent Thesaurus Advent (1 Occurrence)... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. ADVENT. ad'-vent. See INCARNATION; MILLENNIUM; PAROUSIA. Multi-Version Concordance Advent (1 Occurrence). ... /a/advent.htm - 7k Nations (683 Occurrences) All (60349 Occurrences) Desire (565 Occurrences) Coming Premillennial Millennium Exaltation (9 Occurrences) Man (26072 Occurrences) Apocalyptic Resources What is Advent? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is an advent calendar? How does an advent calendar relate to Christmas? | GotQuestions.org Does the Old Testament truly predict a second advent of the Messiah? | GotQuestions.org Advent: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Advent (1 Occurrence)Acts 7:52 Subtopics Related Terms |
    |