What is Advent? Simple Christmas Advent Devotionals

What is Advent?

Christmas is a joyful season, full of promise.

In today’s world, there are tons of events, lights, gifts, and family memories to be made. Train rides and flashing displays and joyful music permeate it all.

Yet, if you stop to look deeper, the good news of the gospel is on full display during the Christmas celebrations.

So why add one more thing to your December days?

What is the Advent season all about?

Today, we’ll cover the basics…what is Advent about?

While commonly part of liturgical churches, many non-denominational congregations have included Advent as part of the weeks leading up to Christmas.

You can read more about the history of Advent here.

The word advent literally means coming in Latin...adventus. In this context, it illustrates the longing of a broken people for their savior.

Emmanuel translated means “God with us” and is one name for Jesus.

It is an invitation, not an obligation, to reflect and prepare our hearts to see what really is the most important thing. Jesus.

Advent can include many options, for example: prayer, songs (here is my favorite), candles, and/or living out Christ’s love through our offerings to others.

How long is Advent?

Advent begins on the 4th Sunday before Christmas.

Each week a candle is lit to correlate with reflection/prayer time. As the weeks progress, an additional candle is lit.

Is Advent in the Bible?

There are NO requirements in the Christian faith to observe Advent… the practice only invites us into a time of reflection.

Many liturgical churches observe Advent as part of their services, for the 4 Sundays preceding Christmas.

Many non-denominational churches do not place emphasis on this tradition.

But, the bottom line, it is a tradition, a beautiful one, not a “rule“. It has been such a life changer for me.

Give yourself the gift of Advent this year, and see how it gives Christmas a deeper meaning ♥.

What do the candles in the Advent wreath mean?

Traditionally, there are 4 candles in an Advent wreath. Some put a white candle in the center of the wreath to be lit on Christmas Eve. (In churches the wreath is often created out of evergreen boughs. There is no right/wrong wreath 🙂 Home options can be what your family likes best! Here are two options to show variety.)

You might read different “meanings” of each candle occasionally.

Remember, this is an invitation to stop and reflect on the coming of the Lord.

We don’t need to get hung up on the labels assigned to candles, or what order they are in.

Advent devotionals are a purely optional opportunity to slow down at Christmas, and take the pause that allows us to breathe and remember the reason for this treasured season.

The first candle symbolizes HOPE, and is purple.

The second candle symbolizes PEACE, and is purple.

The third candle symbolizes JOY, and is pink.

The fourth candle symbolized LOVE, and is purple.

How can I celebrate Advent?

Advent can be as simple or complex as you desire to celebrate it.

For families, it can be helpful to make a Jesse tree, an Advent chain, or a family Bible reading. You can check out this post on how we celebrated when the girls were young.

For women, personal quiet time is so rewarding. ( I know, easier said than done sometimes…but worth it!)

The point is to pause. Reflect. Celebrate.

It is that simple.