Is Advent in the Bible? Should Christians Celebrate It?

Advent is the period beginning four Sundays before Christmas, leading up to the celebration of Christ’s birth. It comes from the Latin adventus, which means "coming." Different denominations celebrate the Advent season in different ways, but the main emphasis is on preparing our minds and hearts for the true reason for Christmas: celebrating Christ’s incarnation.

Some celebrate through prayer and fasting, while others have liturgical services. One popular practice is the Advent wreath, which includes four candles (one for each Sunday) representing hope, peace, joy, and love. Each one represents a different aspect of Christ and his incarnation.

While the word Advent is not found in Scripture, the concepts related to the tradition are found throughout the Bible. Let’s take a closer look at where we can find these ideas and how they relate to the tradition of Advent.

Where Did the Tradition of Advent Come From?

The exact date of when the tradition of Advent began is uncertain, but Bishop Perpetuus of Tours (461-490) established a fast before Christmas that began on November 11th, and the Council of Tours (567) mentioned an Advent season. The idea developed over time in various traditions, but all are rooted in a few main ideas.

The basic concepts of Advent are preparation and repentance, as given in Matthew 3:3:

“For this is he who was spoken of by the prophet Isaiah, saying: 'The voice of one crying in the wilderness: 'Prepare the way of the Lord; Make His paths straight.'"

John the Baptist was sent ahead of Christ to prepare the way for Jesus’ entrance into his earthly ministry, telling the people to repent and make ready for his appearance. Advent is meant to prepare our hearts for the Christmas season as we remember how Christ came into the world. It also reminds us that he promised to come again, so it helps us prepare for his return. Waiting for God’s promises to be fulfilled takes a posture of expected hope:

“I wait for the Lord, my soul waits, And in His word I do hope.” (Psalm 130:5)

So, the tradition of Advent is both a reminder of Christ’s coming to earth and of his future return to earth for his people.

Advent wreath and candles infographic guide

Download your own 24-Day Advent Scripture Writing Calendar! Each day, open your Bible, read and write out a meaningful Scripture, and check off your progress as you reflect on the hope, peace, joy, and love of Advent. Download HERE.

What Does the Bible Say about Advent?

The word Advent does not appear in the Scriptures, but the concept of waiting on the promises of God to be fulfilled is found throughout the Bible. The Old Testament is full of prophecies about the coming of the Messiah, but here are a few of the most well-known passages:

Isaiah 7:14 – “Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a Son, and shall call His name Immanuel.”
Isaiah 9:6 – “For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”
Jeremiah 23:5 – "Behold, the days are coming," says the Lord, "That I will raise to David a Branch of righteousness; A King shall reign and prosper, And execute judgment and righteousness in the earth.”
Micah 5:2 – "But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, Though you are little among the thousands of Judah, Yet out of you shall come forth to Me The One to be Ruler in Israel, Whose goings forth are from of old, From everlasting."

The New Testament focuses on how Jesus fulfilled the prophecies and how he brought salvation to all who believe. Here are a few passages related to these aspects of Advent:

Matthew 1:18 – “Now the birth of Jesus Christ was as follows: After His mother Mary was betrothed to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Spirit.”
John 1:14 – “And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth”
John 3:16 – “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.”

Is Advent Connected to Jesus' Second Coming?

Just as Advent calls us to remember Christ’s birth, it also calls us to look forward to his return to earth. The following scriptures tell us that he will return and that we should be ready and waiting for him:

1 Thessalonians 4:16-17 – “For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord.”
Revelation 1:7 – “Behold, He is coming with clouds, and every eye will see Him, even they who pierced Him. And all the tribes of the earth will mourn because of Him. Even so, Amen.”
Matthew 24:44 - “Therefore you also be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.”
Hebrews 9:28 – “So Christ was offered once to bear the sins of many. To those who eagerly wait for Him He will appear a second time, apart from sin, for salvation.”

Should Christians Celebrate Advent?

While the word Advent is not mentioned in the Bible, the concepts related to the tradition are scattered throughout the Old and New Testaments. The Old Testament records prophecies of Christ’s coming to earth, and the people of God were waiting and watching for his appearance. Advent traditions help us to remember that Christmas is about Christ’s birth and focus on the miracle of God taking on human form to offer salvation. In a culture caught up in the lights and presents, it is good to be reminded of the true reason for the season.

Advent also reminds us that the story is not yet finished. Christ promised to return to gather his people to him and to make all things new. When we participate in Advent traditions, it helps us to look forward as we patiently wait for his return. The four candles of Advent represent hope, peace, joy, and love. I think that sums up the spirit of Christmas. We have hope, peace, joy, and love because Christ came to earth, but we also have even more to look forward to at his return.

Each person must decide for themselves if they will celebrate Advent because there is no command to follow it. However, Advent traditions are steeped in the word of God, so you can be assured if you choose to celebrate Advent that it is not out of step with the Bible. There are many different types of Advent traditions based on different denominations and cultures. I don’t think there is any one way to celebrate Advent as long as we keep our focus on Christ’s coming and his return.

If you have never participated in Advent, check out the Advent traditions in your area to see what speaks to you. Any tradition that takes our focus off ourselves and puts it on the truth of Jesus Christ is bound to be for our good.

May we look forward to the Christmas season and Christ’s return with the excitement of children waiting for Christmas morning, and may we share with others the hope, peace, joy, and love we have because of Christ.