As the crisp autumn air gives way to winter’s chill, the Christian world begins to turn its attention to a season of profound spiritual significance: Advent. This sacred time invites believers to embark on a journey of preparation, reflection, and anticipation as we await the celebration of Christ’s birth and look forward to His glorious return. But what exactly is Advent, and how can we use this season to deepen our faith and draw closer to God?
The Meaning and Origins of Advent
The origins of Advent can be traced back to the 4th and 5th centuries in Western Christianity. Initially, it was a period of preparation for the baptism of new Christians at the January feast of Epiphany. Over time, Advent evolved into a season of preparation for Christmas, with its current form taking shape around the 6th century.
Advent, derived from the Latin word “adventus” meaning “coming” or “arrival,” is a season observed by many Christians in the weeks leading up to Christmas. Typically spanning four Sundays, Advent is a time of expectant waiting and preparation for both the celebration of the Nativity of Jesus at Christmas and the return of Christ at the Second Coming.
The Spiritual Significance of Advent
At its core, Advent is a season that calls us to a deeper spiritual awakening. It’s a time to reflect on the incredible mystery of the Incarnation – God becoming man in the person of Jesus Christ. The prophet Isaiah foretold this miraculous event:
“Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel.” (Isaiah 7:14, NIV)
This prophecy, fulfilled in the birth of Jesus, reminds us of God’s faithfulness and His desire to be “God with us.” Advent invites us to ponder this profound truth and allow it to transform our hearts and minds.
Moreover, Advent serves as a powerful reminder of Christ’s second coming. As we prepare to celebrate His first arrival as a humble baby in Bethlehem, we are also called to ready ourselves for His return in glory. Jesus Himself spoke of this future event:
“At that time people will see the Son of Man coming in clouds with great power and glory.” (Mark 13:26, NIV)
This dual focus – looking back to Christ’s birth and forward to His return – gives Advent a unique spiritual depth and urgency.
The Work of the Holy Spirit in Advent
From a our perspective, it’s crucial to recognize the vital role of the Holy Spirit in our Advent journey. The same Spirit that overshadowed Mary, bringing about the miraculous conception of Jesus (Luke 1:35), is at work in believers today, preparing our hearts for a fresh encounter with Christ.
The Apostle Paul reminds us of the Spirit’s work in our lives:
“And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.” (Romans 5:5, NIV)
During Advent, we can invite the Holy Spirit to:
- Illuminate Scripture: As we read and meditate on God’s Word, particularly prophecies and accounts related to Christ’s birth and return, we can ask the Spirit to bring these truths alive in our hearts.
- Empower our prayers: The Spirit intercedes for us (Romans 8:26-27), helping us to pray in alignment with God’s will as we seek Him during this season.
- Heighten our spiritual senses: Just as Simeon and Anna recognized the infant Jesus as the promised Messiah through the Spirit’s revelation (Luke 2:25-38), we can ask the Holy Spirit to sharpen our spiritual discernment.
- Inspire worship: The Spirit can ignite fresh passion in our hearts, leading us into deeper, more authentic worship as we contemplate the wonder of the Incarnation.
- Facilitate spiritual gifts: As Spirit-filled believers recognize the ongoing operation of spiritual gifts. During Advent, we might experience an increase in prophetic insights, words of knowledge, or other manifestations of the Spirit as we draw closer to Christ.
Practical Ways to Observe Advent
1. Create an Advent Wreath
The Advent wreath, with its four candles, can serve as a powerful visual reminder of the season’s themes. Each Sunday of Advent, light a candle and spend time in prayer and reflection. The candles typically represent:
- Week 1: Hope
- Week 2: Peace
- Week 3: Joy
- Week 4: Love
As you light each candle, invite the Holy Spirit to kindle these virtues anew in your heart.
2. Daily Scripture Readings
Develop a daily habit of reading and meditating on Scripture passages related to Christ’s birth and second coming. Some suggestions include:
- Isaiah 9:6-7
- Micah 5:2-5
- Luke 1:26-38
- Matthew 1:18-25
- Revelation 22:12-21
Ask the Holy Spirit to illuminate these passages and speak to you through them.
3. Advent Devotional
Choose an Advent devotional that aligns with your spiritual tradition. Many excellent resources are available that combine Scripture readings, reflections, and prayers for each day of Advent.
4. Prayer and Fasting
Consider setting aside specific times for prayer and fasting during Advent. This can help clear away distractions and create space for deeper communion with God. As you pray, be open to the Holy Spirit’s guidance and any prophetic insights He may provide.
5. Acts of Service and Generosity
Reflect Christ’s love by engaging in acts of service and generosity. This might include volunteering at a local charity, reaching out to lonely neighbours, or supporting missions work. Allow the Holy Spirit to guide you in discerning needs around you and empowering you to meet them.
6. Worship and Praise
Make worship a central part of your Advent observance. This can include participating in special church services, listening to Advent and Christmas music, or setting aside time for personal praise and adoration. Invite the Holy Spirit to lead you into deeper, more intimate worship experiences.
7. Journaling and Reflection
Keep an Advent journal to record your thoughts, prayers, and any supernatural experiences or insights you receive during this season. This practice can help you track your spiritual growth and serve as a testament to God’s faithfulness.
Embracing the Supernatural During Advent
While Advent is deeply rooted in historical Christian practice, it’s also an opportunity to embrace the supernatural aspects of our faith. The story of Christ’s birth is replete with miraculous events – angelic visitations, prophetic dreams, and the virgin birth itself. As we reflect on these accounts, we’re reminded that our God is a God of wonders who continues to work supernaturally in our lives today.
During Advent, be open to:
- Prophetic words: God may speak to you through others or give you words of encouragement for those around you.
- Divine encounters: Like the shepherds who encountered angels on the night of Christ’s birth, remain expectant for divine appointments and supernatural experiences.
- Miraculous provision: The Magi’s gifts to the infant Jesus remind us that God can provide for our needs in unexpected ways.
- Healing and deliverance: As we celebrate the coming of the Great Physician, pray for and expect physical, emotional, and spiritual healing.
- Dreams and visions: God often used dreams to communicate in the Christmas story (Matthew 1:20, 2:12-13). Be attentive to how He might speak to you through dreams during this season.
Overcoming Challenges During Advent
While Advent is a season of joyful anticipation, it’s important to acknowledge that it can also be a challenging time for many. The busyness of the holiday season, financial pressures, or feelings of loneliness can threaten to overshadow the spiritual significance of Advent.
If you find yourself struggling, remember the words of the prophet Isaiah:
“The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned.” (Isaiah 9:2, NIV)
Christ came as a light in the darkness, and He continues to be our light today. Here are some strategies for overcoming common Advent challenges:
- Prioritise spiritual practices: Make your Advent devotions non-negotiable, even amidst the holiday bustle.
- Simplify: Consider scaling back on holiday commitments to create more space for spiritual reflection.
- Seek support: If you’re feeling lonely or depressed, reach out to your church community or a trusted friend.
- Practice gratitude: Daily thanksgiving can help shift your focus from what you lack to the abundance of God’s blessings.
- Embrace silence: In the midst of holiday noise, carve out times of silence to listen for God’s still, small voice.
Advent: A Season of Transformation
As we journey through Advent, let’s remember that this season is not just about passive waiting, but active preparation. It’s a time for spiritual house-cleaning, for allowing the Holy Spirit to search our hearts and transform us more fully into the image of Christ.
The Apostle Paul exhorts us:
“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.” (Romans 12:2, NIV)
Advent provides a perfect opportunity for this mind-renewal process. As we meditate on the humility of Christ in His first coming and the glory of His return, we’re challenged to align our lives more closely with His will.
Advent as a Lifestyle
While Advent is a specific season in the Christian calendar, its themes of watchfulness, preparation, and expectation are relevant throughout the year. As we conclude our exploration of Advent, let’s consider how we can cultivate an “Advent lifestyle” – one of continual readiness for Christ’s return and ongoing openness to the Holy Spirit’s work in our lives.
May this Advent season be a time of profound spiritual growth, supernatural encounters, and renewed passion for Christ. As we prepare our hearts to celebrate His first coming, may we also be found ready and waiting for His glorious return.
“He who testifies to these things says, ‘Yes, I am coming soon.’ Amen. Come, Lord Jesus.” (Revelation 22:20, NIV)
