Advent, from the Latin adventus, meaning “arrival,” is a four-week season practiced across many Christian traditions as a time of reflection and preparation leading up to Christmas. Emerging as early as the fourth century, early observances emphasized both Christ’s first coming in Bethlehem and His promised return. Historically marked by repentance and anticipation, Advent later unified into the tradition we know today—one centered on worship, weekly candle lighting, and the spiritual themes of hope, peace, joy, and love. Beyond the church, Advent has also shaped cultural practices such as Advent wreaths and calendars that help families mark the days until Christmas.
As we enter this season of waiting, how can we slow down enough to truly prepare room for Christ—not just in our celebrations, but in the deepest places of our lives?
'Tis the season, am I right? In the blink of an eye, Thanksgiving was here for .2 seconds, and Christmas has arrived. All around us, lights are twinkling, store signs are flashing, and TV commercials are singing. And just for kicks and giggles, if you haven't gone into Hobby Lobby, it's a Winter Wonderland! Ornaments in every shape, size, and stature you could desire, and wreaths galore. Thanksgiving decor was gone before Halloween arrived, and now Valentine's Day mixes with snowflakes and fake flurries.
We live in a world where the commercial Christmas rush is all the rage. It seems that we never have enough time to participate in all the activities, form all the new traditions, buy all the gifts, and get ready for Santa. And while millions of individuals celebrate Advent each year, perhaps we're all celebrating the wrong way. Instead of resting in the quiet stillness and historic meaning of Advent, we forsake it for a 21st-century definition. Instead of delighting in its ancient and 4th-century roots, dwelling on themes of hope, peace, joy, and love, we speed up and through. But what if we were invited to try something a bit more meaningful? Slower? Down to earth?
As life speeds up, Advent invites us to slow down. So what does it mean to "prepare Him room" in our everyday lives?
Get Ready for the Arrival
According to the Latin root for Advent, this word comes from adventus, meaning arrival. In the early church, these practices or weeks focused on repentance and the expectation of Christ's return. Individuals prepared their hearts and homes for when Jesus would come. The eternal Savior they'd been promised.
While we already know that Jesus has come, we also still wait. We wait for His second coming when He will come again. Today, this waiting includes modern expressions of wreaths, candles, calendars, devotionals, and Bible readings. Sadly, culture has even tried to steal this thunder of peace. Advent calendars have become a commercial event as a $4 billion industry, completely forsaking the point. From chocolate to Chanel or cheddar, we've exchanged a sacred space for a powerful marketing tool.
Friends, this tradition of celebrating and waiting for Jesus' return was never meant to be monetized or flattened to a countdown. It's always meant to be a formation practice that stills our souls, not one that hypes us up, but rather shapes us. But if we aren't willing to redefine this season, we will never reach the peace Christ has for us. We must get ready for the arrival.
In the book of Isaiah, many prophecies foreshadowed Jesus' coming. These are often referred to as Messianic Prophecies. The most common one for Advent is Isaiah 9, where the true light of Christ is predicted. The people will no longer walk in darkness, but in everlasting light. Verses 6-7 read this way:
"For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the greatness of his government and peace, there will be no end. He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. The zeal of the Lord Almighty will accomplish this" (Isaiah 9:6-7, NIV).
While this is just one prophecy, it highlights the many attributes we celebrate for Advent. Jesus is our true source of hope, peace, love, and joy. He is our Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and Peaceful Prince. Not only do we look forward to a day when His Kingdom will never end, but we live in the freedom that He gives us now.
The Lens of Discipleship
Many forefathers of the Scripture confirmed these truths: John the Baptist had a call to "prepare the way of the Lord." The Psalmists spoke of Jesus ' birth and crucifixion. Confirmation after confirmation has been given. Even the Advent themes we celebrate can be seen through a discipleship lens:
Week 1- Hope- Today, we have hope in trusting God amid uncertainty.
Week 2- Peace- Today, we can experience His peace by resisting the holiday hurry.
Week 3- Joy- Today, we can find joy by rooting delight in Christ and not our circumstances.
Week 4- Love- Today, we will show love by practicing tangible presence with others.
It might sound a bit odd, but Advent gives us space and time to cultivate deeper spiritual disciplines if we choose to participate in it properly. Not buying another Advent calendar or running to stay on top of 50 cool traditions, but resting in the true hope, peace, joy, and love that the season points us to.
Cultivating these true meanings of the season could look like choosing to sit in silence for five minutes a day or lighting candles at home while we read a Scripture passage. It could be memorizing one verse every week or implementing weekly and intentional slow rhythms. The choice is yours. What matters is that we create space for Christ in our homes, schedules, emotions, and expectations.
Advent requires a lens of discipleship and discipline because when we encounter the one true God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace, and Counselor, we will be compelled to share Him with others. And everything within us will make sure we accomplish that goal.
Are You Prepared?
As December is upon us, I want to shift your mind not to how Advent often is celebrated, but how it should be. I would challenge you to see it as a season of preparation. So instead of bustling your butt this season and pushing yourself past your breaking point, think about what it means to slow down, rest, and prepare.
Just as ants or other creatures prepare for the winter, you can, too. You know how to work hard, but deep down, you also know how to rest. Pause. Sit in the still. Reset. Defy the culture screaming at you to do more and just be.
One small practice, such as lighting a candle, praying nightly as a family, or simplifying your schedule, could create the atmosphere you need to hear God best. Reclaim Advent from the noise for you and your culture. Then, ask yourself this question: "What part of my heart is Christ asking to make room for Him in? How can I intentionally create this space today?"
Prayer
Dear Jesus,
Advent seems to come quicker every year. Instead of being bogged down or stressed by all the to-dos, help me to enjoy this season. Help me to embrace the hope, peace, joy, and love that you offer in the here and now and to share those things with those around me. When I'm tempted to cave to busyness or monetary values of this tradition, remind me of what really matters. Help me to rest in you. We love, praise, and thank you, Jesus.
Amen.
Photo Credit: ©Unsplash/ Robert Thiemann
