Advent: Preparing for Christ's Coming - Jeremiah's Promise & The Meaning of Advent
“Behold, the days are coming, declares the Lord, when I will fulfill the promise I made to the house of Israel and the house of Judah. In those days and at that time I will cause a righteous Branch to spring up for David, and he shall execute justice and righteousness in the land.” Jeremiah 33:14-15
Advent marks the beginning of the Christian liturgical year, a season steeped in expectation, reflection, and hope. Derived from the Latin word adventus, meaning “coming” or “arrival,” this sacred time invites us to prepare our hearts and minds for the celebration of Christ’s birth and the anticipation of his return in glory. During these four Sundays leading up to Christmas, Advent invites us to slow down, reflect on God’s promises, and embrace the profound mystery of the Incarnation.
Advent also reminds us that waiting is a central theme in the Christian life. Jeremiah prophesied about a coming righteous Branch, but the nation would wait six hundred years for his arrival. Today we live in the tension of already and not yet — rejoicing in Christ’s first coming while yearning for his ultimate return. This season encourages believers to adopt a posture of active waiting, one marked by faith, hope, and obedience.
The Advent wreath, with its progressively lit candles, symbolizes this growing anticipation. Each candle represents a theme — Promise, Peace, Joy, and Love — illuminating our path as we journey toward the celebration of Christmas. The wreath’s circular shape and evergreen leaves remind us of God’s eternal love and the promise of new life in Christ.
Advent is not merely a countdown to Christmas but a time for deep spiritual preparation. It calls us to examine our hearts, repent of our sins, and renew our commitment to Christ. Just as John the Baptist prepared the way for Jesus by calling people to repentance, Advent invites us to make straight the paths of our own lives.
This reflective aspect of Advent is in contrast to the frenetic pace of the holiday season. Amid the busyness of shopping, decorating, and gatherings, Advent urges us to pause, reflect, and remember the true reason for the season. It is a call to align our hearts with God’s purposes and to rediscover the promise of Emmanuel, which is that God is with us.
In a culture that prizes instant gratification, Advent teaches us the value of waiting with expectancy. It reminds us that God works in his perfect timing, often in ways that surpass our understanding. By embracing the rhythms of Advent, we cultivate patience, deepen our faith, and prepare our hearts to receive the greatest gift of all — Jesus Christ.
As Advent begins, let us approach this sacred season with reverence. Let it be a time of renewal, drawing us closer to God and to one another. Through the practices of prayer, worship, and service, may we experience anew the wonder of Christ’s coming and the hope of his glorious return.