The history of Advent dates back to the 4th century as a period of fasting and prayer. During this season, Christians around the globe cultivate an attitude of expectation and hope, symbolically mirroring the anticipation of the coming Messiah that characterized the Old Testament. The term ‘Advent’ originates from the Latin ‘Adventus,’ meaning ‘coming,’ signifying the anticipation of Christ’s coming into the world.
Today, where distractions are increasingly unrestrained, the Advent season can provide us with a refreshing perspective on faith, hope, and love. Here are a few ways in which the meaning of Advent can awaken a sense of anticipation in our lives today.
Expectation of Hope. The Advent season calls us to live in the expectation of Christ’s coming historically and in our lives today. In a world of uncertainty, this practice of expectant hope during Advent can serve as a beacon amidst our difficulties. Today, we face numerous challenges: social unrest, economic disparity, political polarization, climate and environmental crises, and personal trials. In light of these, the Advent message of hope resounds with even greater potency. It encourages us to trust in the redeeming power of God and to expect His divine intervention in our world today, just as He intervened over two thousand years ago in Bethlehem. Drawing from the wellspring of Advent hope, we are inspired to extend this hope to others, reflecting God’s love for our broken world.
Preparation and Reflection. Advent teaches us the value of patient preparation and spiritual reflection in an age that thrives on instant gratification. It invites us to slow down and contemplate the profound love of God that led to the birth of Jesus. In Advent, Christians are encouraged to prepare their hearts much like one prepares their home for a significant guest, making room for Christ amid our daily lives. The spirit of preparation encourages us to examine our lives in the light of Christ’s teachings and to make necessary changes, inspiring personal growth and societal transformation.
Social Justice. The practice of social justice is deeply interwoven into the fabric of the Advent season, embodying the Christian call to “love your neighbor as yourself.” As we await the arrival of Christ, we are reminded of His teachings on equality, compassion, and regard for the marginalized and the downtrodden. Advent is a reminder for Christians to actively engage in acts of charity, fairness, and advocacy – to ensure the rights and welfare of all and to assist those in need.
Community and Togetherness. In our increasingly individualistic society, the Advent season reinforces the sacred bond of community and togetherness, invigorating the Christian call for unity and mutual support. It presents a significant opportunity for us to come together as a community, to share, pray, and express our hope in the promise of Christ’s coming. The warmth of shared meals, the joy of singing carols, and the act of giving and receiving gifts are more than traditions; they symbolize the love, respect, and mutual support that underpin our Christian community. Together, with our shared hope in Christ’s coming, we can work to create a world that reflects His love, justice, and peace.
Embracing Peace. The Advent season is a time for reflection, renewal, and embracing peace in our hearts and interactions with others. As Christians, we must be peacemakers, reflecting Christ’s peace in the world through His birth. This peace does not merely refer to the absence of conflict but goes beyond to represent a state of tranquility and wholeness that comes from God. It is a peace that surpasses all understanding. This peace transcends our circumstances and offers us hope in times of uncertainty and unrest.
The season of Advent, steeped in rich history and earnest meaning, has much to offer to our world today. From expecting hope to embracing peace, the Advent season holds a transformative power that we, as Christians, are invited to experience and embody.