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Advent is a season filled with anticipation, hope, and celebration—but with so much going on, it’s natural to have questions! Whether you’re new to Advent or looking to dive deeper, we’ve rounded up 8 of the most frequently asked questions to help you understand this special time of year.
1. What is Advent?
Derived from a Latin word meaning “arrival” or “coming,” Advent is a four-week season on the church calendar focused on eagerly anticipating the arrival of Jesus, the Messiah. Every Sunday for four weeks leading up to Christmas, Christians reflect on the hope, peace, love, and joy Jesus brought to the world through His coming—and will bring again in fullness when He comes again.
2. Who celebrates Advent?
Christians of many different backgrounds celebrate the Advent season, including Protestants, Catholics, and other traditions.
3. Why is Advent important?
The Advent season is an opportunity to celebrate our Savior, Jesus, and reflect on the miracle of His birth, life, death, and resurrection. It’s an invitation to slow down and savor time with Him, the One who brought heaven to earth—and will make all things new one day soon.
4. How do people celebrate Advent?
While some people observe Advent simply by counting down the days until Christmas, others engage in specific practices and meditations during the month. From reflecting on specific themes to lighting Advent candles, preparing wreaths, or holding special church services, Advent can be celebrated in many ways.
Looking for a way to be rooted in Scripture during the Advent season? Dig into the Christmas story in the Bible in a fresh way with Yarrow’s free Daily Growth study on Advent. A new study will be released every day in December 2024! Download the app here.
5. What is the main message of Advent?
Advent’s focus is threefold: it’s a time to celebrate the coming (“advent” means “coming” or “arrival”) of Jesus as a baby born in Bethlehem, the arrival of Jesus’ Spirit in the hearts of believers, and the second coming of Christ to the earth eagerly awaited by believers.
6. What are reading plans for Advent?
Different faith traditions employ unique Scripture reading plans for Advent. For example, for Roman Catholics, each Sunday mass during Advent traces a specific theme. Many Protestants explore the themes of hope, peace, joy, and love (although not necessarily in that order) during the season.
Looking for a simple Bible reading plan for Advent? Check out the one below.
- First Sunday: Hope | Read Matthew 2:1-12 and Luke 1:26-56
- Second Sunday: Peace | Read Luke 2:1-21
- Third Sunday: Joy | Read Luke 2:22-40
- Fourth Sunday: Love | Read 1 John 4:7-21
Don’t forget—you can dig into the Christmas story in the Yarrow app with a new, short study every day in December 2024 for free. Just download the app to start studying today.
7. What should I pray during Advent?
You can draw close to God during Advent by spending time in prayer. Here are a few Scriptures to pray for Advent.
- First Sunday: Prayer for Hope (Psalm 33)
- Second Sunday: Prayer for Peace (Philippians 4:6-8)
- Third Sunday: Prayer for Joy (Psalm 84)
- Fourth Sunday: Prayer for Love (John 13:1-20)
8. What follows after Advent?
In the church calendar Advent ends on Christmas Eve, which begins the Christmas season. This season lasts until Epiphany, a church holiday celebrated on January 6 that commemorates the magi’s visit to King Jesus (Matthew 2:1-12).
As we journey through Advent, we’re invited to pause, reflect, and prepare our hearts for the celebration of Jesus’ birth. We hope these answers to common questions have helped clarify the meaning and traditions of this season.
Whether you’re lighting candles, counting down the days, or simply soaking in the hope Advent brings, remember—this is a season of anticipation, not just for Christmas, but for the peace and joy that Christ’s coming brings to the world.
This Advent, may we all find deeper rest in Jesus—our hope, peace, joy, and light—as we remain rooted in His Word together.