The Advent season marks the four-week period before Christmas (Sunday 27 November –
Saturday 24 December) which celebrates the anticipation and coming of Jesus. The word
‘advent’ comes from the Latin word adventus meaning ‘coming’ or ‘arrival’. Therefore, Christians use these four weeks to prepare and remember the true meaning of Christmas-
the arrival of Jesus.
Each week of advent has a specific theme attached to it:
First Sunday of Advent: Hope
Christians believe that Jesus came to the world to bring hope to humanity, dying in our
place so that we can have a relationship with God.
Second Sunday of Advent: Waiting
Thousands of years before Jesus was born, the Bible spoke about a king that would come to
save, so people had been waiting thousands of years for this!
Third Sunday of Advent: Joy
In the nativity story the shepherds and wise men were ‘overjoyed’ that the Bible’s
prophecies had finally been fulfilled, and they came from miles away to worship the new
born king. In the same way, Christians are joyful that Jesus was born!
Fourth Sunday of Advent: Love
Christians believe that the birth of Jesus is the perfect demonstration of love, in that he
came to earth as a human being to sacrifice himself and create a way for God and humans
to have a relationship.
How is Advent celebrated?
Throughout history people have celebrated advent by making wreaths and hanging them in
their homes, as well as lighting advent candles. Some Christians also fast to help them
prepare their hearts to celebrate Jesus’ coming, as well as spending time praying and
meditating on the Christmas story.
If you want to know more about advent feel free to get in touch or check out our virtual advent calendar on Instagram!
Aisha
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