How often do you slow down, really slow down, and prepare your heart for what God is doing?
Advent calls us to do just that. The word Advent comes from the Latin adventus, which means “coming.” It’s a season of waiting—not just waiting for Christmas morning, but for the coming of Christ in all His fullness: first in the humility of the manger, and one day in the glory of His return. Think of it like preparing for a guest. When someone important is coming, you don’t just open the door and hope for the best. You clean the house, set the table, and make things ready.
Advent is our time to prepare our spiritual house for King Jesus.
The early church knew this. Advent wasn’t originally about Christmas; but rather Epiphany, a celebration of Christ’s manifestation to the world. Later, the season became a period of penitence and reflection, much like Lent. The practices we now associate with Advent—wreaths, candles, and readings—are reminders of what this season is truly about: light breaking into darkness. St. Augustine said, “What is grace but the radiance of light in the soul?” Advent reminds us of that radiance, the light of Christ that pierces even the deepest shadows.
Why does this matter for us today? Because Advent is a season that meets us where we are. It encourages us to pause, to repent, and to hope. Paul writes, “The night is far spent, the day is at hand. Therefore, let us cast off the works of darkness and put on the armor of light.”(Romans 13:12) Advent helps us do just that—it tunes our hearts to God’s work and aligns us with His plan. Charles Spurgeon once said, “Hope itself is like a star—not to be seen in the sunshine of prosperity, but only to be discovered in the night of adversity.” Advent teaches us to hope.
So today, as we enter this sacred season, let us commit to preparing our hearts—not just for the birth of a baby in Bethlehem, but for the return of our Savior in glory. Let Advent be a season of discipline, of reflection, and of joyful anticipation. “Come, Lord Jesus” (Revelation 22:20). Let it be the cry of our hearts.
Exploring the Biblical Foundations of Advent
Advent is rooted in the story of God’s faithfulness—His promises fulfilled in Christ’s first coming and the hope of His return. Let’s take a moment to explore these two foundations.
- Preparing for Christ’s First Coming. Isaiah’s words echo across time: “In the wilderness prepare the way of the Lord; make straight in the desert a highway for our God” (Isaiah 40:3–5). Advent draws us into this call for preparation. It’s not about decorating a highway but about clearing the roadblocks in our hearts—those sins, distractions, and doubts that keep us from fully embracing Jesus.
John the Baptist lived this out as he preached repentance, paving the way for the Messiah. Advent mirrors his mission. It’s a time for us to pause and ask, “Is my heart ready for Christ?” Imagine preparing your home for a visit from an honored guest. You wouldn’t leave it cluttered or unclean. In the same way, Advent invites us to prepare a spiritual space worthy of our Savior.
And why do we prepare? Because God kept His promise. Luke proclaims, “For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.” (Luke 2:11) Charles Wesley captured this joy in his hymn: “Come, Thou long-expected Jesus, born to set Thy people free.” Advent is a reminder that God didn’t leave us waiting forever—He sent His Son to bring light into our darkness. - Anticipating Christ’s Second Coming. Advent isn’t just backward-looking. It’s a forward-facing season of hope. Paul’s words shake us awake: “The hour has come for you to wake from sleep. For salvation is nearer to us now than when we first believed.” (Romans 13:11–14) Advent calls us to vigilance, like a watchman scanning the horizon for the dawn.
David paints a vivid picture of Christ’s triumphant return: “Lift up your heads, O gates! And be lifted up, O ancient doors, that the King of glory may come in.” (Psalm 24:7–10) This isn’t just poetic imagery. It’s a declaration of the King’s victory. As C.S. Lewis wrote, “When the author walks onto the stage, the play is over.” Advent reminds us that Jesus will return, not a baby, but as King of Glory.
Quotations from the Church Fathers and Ministers. Advent isn’t just a season; it’s a profound reflection on God’s work in history and His promises for the future. To grasp its depth, we turn to the wisdom of the Church Fathers and faithful ministers who’ve gone before us. These were men whose devotion to Christ and understanding of Scripture shaped the faith of generations, and their words challenge and inspire us to consider the significance of Advent.
St. Augustine of Hippo. St. Augustine, a towering figure in the early church and one of Christianity’s greatest theologians, reminds us, “He who came as a humble servant in the first Advent will come as King and Judge in the second. Let us prepare our hearts for both.” Augustine’s life was a testimony to God’s transformative grace, and his teachings still shape our understanding of faith today. Augustine urges us to consider the contrast of Christ’s two comings: the humility of the manger and the majesty of the throne. Are our hearts ready for both?
St. Cyril of Jerusalem. St. Cyril, a fourth-century bishop and teacher, is celebrated for his clear and powerful explanations of Christian doctrine, particularly about Christ’s return. He boldly declares, “We proclaim not one coming only of Christ but a second as well, far more glorious than the first.” Cyril’s words remind us that Advent isn’t just about looking back to Bethlehem but also forward to Christ’s triumphant return. Are we living in anticipation of His glory?
Charles Spurgeon. Charles Spurgeon, known as the “Prince of Preachers,” was a 19th-century British Baptist pastor whose sermons still resonate with believers today. He said, “Advent is a time of preparation. Prepare the way of the Lord in your hearts!” Spurgeon’s legacy is his ability to make profound truths accessible, calling Christians to heartfelt devotion. He challenges us to see Advent as more than tradition—it’s a call to real spiritual readiness. What in your heart needs clearing for Christ to enter in?
C. S. Lewis. C. S. Lewis, the renowned British author and theologian, is best known for works like Mere Christianity and The Chronicles of Narnia. He captures the wonder of Advent, saying, “Advent is the season of the impossible—God breaking into the world as a baby, and the King of Kings coming again.” Lewis’s gift was in showing how faith intersects with imagination and reason, reminding us of the miraculous nature of Advent. Do we live with the expectancy that God can and will do the impossible again?
Why Advent Matters
Advent isn’t just another season on the church calendar; it’s a vital opportunity to refocus our hearts and minds on what truly matters. Let’s look at three key reasons why Advent is useful for us today.
First, Advent Helps Us Prepare for Christmas and Resist Materialism. Satan wants to turn Christmas into a season of shopping, shiny lights, and stress. But Advent invites us to reflect on the humility of Christ’s birth—a King born in a manger, not a palace. Philippians 2:7 reminds us, “He made himself nothing, taking the form of a servant.” Advent grounds our celebration in this truth: Christmas isn’t about what we get but about who came.
It’s like cleaning the lens of a camera so we can see clearly. Advent clears away the fog of materialism and recenters us on the wonder of Emmanuel—God with us. St. John Chrysostom—an Archbishop of Constantinople and one of the most important and influential figures in the early Christian Church—once said, “The gold of kings meant nothing to Him who came to save the world.” Advent helps us resist the devil’s efforts to make Christmas about stuff and instead celebrate the Savior.
Second, Advent Reminds Us to Await Christ’s Return. Advent isn’t just backward-looking; it points us forward to Christ’s second coming. Paul wrote, “We wait for the blessed hope—the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ.” (Titus 2:13) This season strengthens our faith in His promises and encourages us to live holy lives as we wait.
Think of a bride preparing for her wedding day—every detail matters because she’s anticipating something glorious. In the same way, Advent calls us to vigilance and hope, remembering that “salvation is nearer to us now than when we first believed” (Romans 13:11). The Anglican Priest Charles Wesley put it best: “Lo! He comes with clouds descending, once for favored sinners slain!”
Third, Advent Strengthens Our Faith. When we actively seek God during Advent, He meets us in powerful ways. The Collect for Advent reminds us of this prayerful truth: “Almighty God, give us grace that we may cast away the works of darkness, and put upon us the armor of light.”
Advent is like planting seeds in a garden. Even when the ground looks barren, God works beneath the surface, multiplying our small efforts of faith into a harvest of growth. As C. S. Lewis said, “Faith is the art of holding on to things your reason has once accepted, in spite of your changing moods.” Advent strengthens us to persevere, holding tightly to the promises of God.
Making the Season of Advent a Practical Practice
Advent isn’t just something we talk about; it’s something we live. This season offers countless opportunities to put our faith into action, both personally and as a community. Let’s look at ways to embrace Advent.
Daily Practices for Advent. Advent is a time to intentionally pause and remember. Lighting Advent candles as a family or congregation is a simple but powerful way to mark the season. Each flame reminds us of Christ, the Light of the World, breaking into the darkness. It’s like lighting a beacon on a stormy night—it draws our focus back to Him.
Another practice is reading daily devotionals or Scriptures that highlight Christ’s coming. Passages like Isaiah 9:2— “The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light”— help us center our hearts on God’s promises. Acts of kindness and generosity are also fitting. Whether it’s giving to someone in need or encouraging a weary soul, these small acts reflect the grace we’ve received.
Community Engagement. Advent is not just about personal reflection; it’s also a call to love others. Volunteering to serve the needy—whether at a shelter, food pantry, or simply helping a neighbor—demonstrates God’s love in action.
Engaging in community gatherings like caroling or Advent prayer services can also strengthen our faith. There’s something about worshiping together that magnifies joy and draws us closer to the heart of God. It’s like gathering around a campfire—the light grows warmer and brighter when we’re together.
Personal Reflection. Advent invites us to look inward. Paul reminds us, “The night is far gone; the day is at hand. So then let us cast off the works of darkness and put on the armor of light.” (Romans 13:12) This is a season to repent of sins and seek God’s forgiveness, letting His light cleanse and renew us.
Use this time to pray for spiritual renewal and readiness for Christ’s return. Ask yourself, “If Jesus came today, would my heart be ready?” C. S. Lewis once said, “Relying on God has to begin all over again every day as if nothing had yet been done.” Let Advent draw us near to the One who came and is coming again.
Advent matters because it helps us prepare for Christmas, resist materialism, anticipate Christ’s return, and grow in faith. It’s a season that aligns our hearts with heaven and helps us live in the light of His promises. Let’s embrace it fully, casting off the works of darkness and putting on the armor of light.
So, as we prepare to celebrate Christ’s birth, let’s also ready our hearts for His return. Advent invites us into a posture of joyful anticipation, agreeing with the words of St. Augustine: “You have made us for yourself, O Lord, and our hearts are restless until they rest in you.” This season teaches us to wait well, with hope, faith, and readiness.
