How would you describe Advent? Sometimes, as with the figgy pudding in the song “We Wish You a Merry Christmas,” it’s something we associate with Christmas but have little idea what it actually means. (BTW: Did you know Spam makes canned figgy pudding? Gross!)
As a teen, I thought that Advent was practiced primarily by Catholics or Orthodox Christians. But I’ve since learned that Advent is a rich tradition that Christians from a variety of denominations have carried out for centuries, and it can add vitality to our experience of the Christmas season.
As a youth leader, I’ve seen students grow through observing Advent, which reminds them—amidst all the shopping, eating, and gatherings—of the “reason for the season.” It reminds us—and our students—that Christmas celebrates a Savior who was not only born, but is alive, is with us, and will return one day.
Advantages of Advent
- Readiness
Advent—from the Latin word adventus, meaning arrival—is the practice of anticipating King Jesus’s coming. During this time, believers worldwide anticipate celebrating Christ’s first arrival as a baby in a manger and His future return.
- Reflection
Historically, Advent marks the beginning of the year for Christians. Observing Advent as the start of a new year for believers should cause us to go into our year with our hearts and minds focused on the imminent return of Jesus.
- Reorientation
Advent should launch us into another year where our hearts and minds are oriented toward Christ and sharing the Gospel.
There are many wonderful practices related to Advent, but perhaps my personal favorite is lighting candles in the Advent wreath. The wreath is filled with symbolism, such as the evergreen fronds representing our eternal Savior, but the most noticeable are the qualities given to each candle. I encourage you to include an Advent wreath in both your personal time with the Lord and in student gatherings.
Hope and Prophecy
On the first Sunday of Advent, it’s tradition to light the Hope Candle, also known as the Prophecy Candle. This candle represents the current hope believers have in Christ and the future hope we have in the return of Christ—the hope that one day every knee will bow and every tongue confess that Christ is Lord (Philippians 2:10-11).
As you light the Hope Candle, you can read:
We wait in hope for the LORD; He is our help and our shield. In Him our hearts rejoice, for we trust in His holy name. May your unfailing love be with us, LORD, even as we put our hope in you. Psalm 33:20-22
Peace and Bethlehem
On the second Sunday of Advent, it’s tradition to light the Hope Candle followed by the Peace Candle, also known as the Bethlehem Candle. It represents the peace that Jesus, the Prince of Peace, brought to us. This is both a transcendent inner peace from the Holy Spirit and a reminder that Jesus calls believers to be peacemakers during our time on Earth.
While lighting the Peace candle, you can read:
For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on His shoulders. And He will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the greatness of His government and peace there will be no end. Isaiah 9:6-7
These first two candles remind us of our anticipation of the return of Christ. Next week, we’ll talk about the significance of the final three candles. Until then, I pray that incorporating these Advent symbols into your personal and corporate worship enhances your joy and anticipation of the celebration of Christ’s birth.
