What is the Meaning of Advent?

Advent is a season that many Christians around the world look forward to each year, but what exactly does it mean?

The word Advent comes from the Latin adventus, meaning "coming."

It’s a time to prepare spiritually for Christmas and to reflect on both the birth of Jesus and His promise to return. Advent is all about hope, joy, love, and peace, and it lasts for the four Sundays leading up to Christmas. But there’s more to Advent than just waiting—let’s dive in with our Artza blogs into the meaning behind this special season.

A Little History Behind Advent

Advent isn't a new tradition—it’s been around for centuries! It actually began in the 4th century as a time of fasting and prayer to prepare for Christmas and over the years, it became less about repentance and more about joyfully anticipating the birth of Jesus.

Today, Advent is a season to reflect, get ready for Christmas, and celebrate Christ’s arrival into the world. It's the perfect way to get into the festive spirit, place your decorations up and start the countdown to Christmas.

Why Advent Matters to Christians

For Christians, Advent is more than just a countdown to Christmas. It’s a time to pause and reflect on the significance of Christ’s birth and look forward to His second coming. During this time, believers focus on the virtues that Jesus brought to the world: hope, love, joy, and peace. It’s a season to renew our faith, grow spiritually, and prepare our hearts for the most wonderful time of the year.

Symbols and Traditions You’ll See During Advent

Advent is filled with meaningful symbols and traditions that help us focus on the true spirit of the season. One of the most beloved traditions is the Advent wreath, which holds four candles. Each Sunday, a new candle is lit, each one symbolizing a different virtue:

1. The First Candle – Hope (Purple): Called the Prophecy Candle, it reminds us of the hope the prophets spoke of, especially the promise of Christ.

2. The Second Candle – Love (Purple): The Bethlehem Candle reflects on Mary and Joseph’s journey to Bethlehem and the love that Christ brings to the world.

3. The Third Candle – Joy (Pink): The Shepherd’s Candle celebrates the joy of the shepherds who were the first to hear of Christs’ birth.

4. The Fourth Candle – Peace (Purple): The Angel’s Candle brings peace, symbolizing the peace Christ brought to earth.

Some families also light a fifth candle in the center of the wreath on Christmas Eve. This is called the Christ Candle, and it celebrates the birth of Jesus, the light of the world.

How to Celebrate Advent at Home

Advent is a wonderful time to create your own family traditions and make this season extra special. Here are a few ideas to help you celebrate:

1. Create an Advent Wreath: Gather your family together to make your own Advent wreath, and light one candle each Sunday as you reflect on hope, love, joy, and peace.

2. Use an Advent Calendar: Count down the days until Christmas with an Advent calendar. Each day, open a door to discover a new scripture, prayer, or activity to help you focus on the meaning of the season.

3. Family Devotions: Set aside time each week to read Bible verses related to Advent and pray together as a family. This is a great way to connect with each other and with God during this sacred season.

Meaningful Christmas Gifts with Artza

As you get ready for Advent, why not give a gift that celebrates the true meaning of the season? Artza offers beautiful, handcrafted gifts that support artisans in the Holy Land and bring the spirit of Christmas to life. Whether you choose a hand-carved olive wood ornament or a beautiful candle, each item tells a story and connects you to the heart of Advent. Explore Artza’s collection to find the perfect gift that reflects the season’s hope and joy.

Advent is a time to; slow down, reflect, and prepare your hearts for the coming of Christmas. Whether you’re lighting candles, spending time in prayer, or giving gifts that support the Holy Land, Advent is all about embracing the virtues that Christ brought to the world.

So, as you celebrate this special season, may your heart be filled with hope, love, joy, and peace as we eagerly await Christmas.