Advent and the Light of Christ: Illuminating the World with Hope

As winter settles in and the days grow shorter, a timeless celebration emerges to bring warmth and light to the darkness of the season. Winter is considered a time of death, but nothing could be further from the truth. It’s a time of rest when darkness brings healing and rejuvenation to the world around us. 

Winter does bring shorter days and more darkness. But what about the darkness we face in our own lives? In recent years, we’ve dealt with the pandemic, cultural wars, political upheaval, and turmoil in most areas of our lives. These times can feel like a period of darkness stretching past winter and into summer, casting deep shadows on our spirits. How can we face the darkness in our lives? 

Thankfully, God sent Christ to bring light and healing to the world and our lives. This is why, as Christians, we celebrate Advent and Christmas. 

What is Advent? 

Advent, a season observed by Christians worldwide, marks the beginning of the liturgical year and symbolizes the anticipation of the birth of Jesus Christ. Amid the cold and gloom, Advent serves as a poignant reminder of the transformative power of hope, love, joy, and peace, all embodied in the message of Christ bringing light to the world.

The word “Advent” comes from the Latin word “adventus,” which means “coming” or “arrival.” Advent is a period that lasts four weeks in the lead-up to Christmas. The season begins on the Sunday near St. Andrew’s Day (Andrew the apostle) on November 30th. Advent is a season of preparation and anticipation of God’s gift to the world—His Son, Jesus Christ. We celebrate Christ’s birth on Christmas Day, December 25th each year. 

The history of Advent goes back to the early centuries of Christianity. The first mentions of this practice can be found in the 4th century. Each community of Christians had their own practices and the length of the period varied. Some observed this time with fasting and repentance, while others focused on the joyous anticipation of Christ’s birth. 

This year, Advent started on December 3rd (yesterday, as I write this post) and will last for the next three Sundays, up to Christmas. 

How is Advent Practiced Today? 

Today, Advent is practiced in different ways by Christians around the world, with specific traditions and customs varying between denominations and regional cultures. However, there are some common elements used to celebrate Advent, including: 

Advent wreath: the Advent wreath is usually circular and made with evergreen branches. The wreath typically holds four candles (three purple and one blue or pink). Each candle is a different symbol: hope, love, and joy. The pink candle represents peace and the birth of Christ. The candles are lit on each Sunday of Advent, with the Christ candle lit on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day. 

Candle lighting & scripture readings: as the candles are lit each Sunday before Christmas, scriptures are read that focus on the themes of hope, love, joy, and peace. The readings can include scriptures from the Old and New Testaments (including the Gospels). 

Liturgical colors and decorations: many churches use specific liturgical colors during Advent, such as purple or blue, to anticipate Christ’s birth and for repentance. They may also use additional decorations, such as banners, to visually represent the season. 

Prayer & reflection: Advent is also a time of spiritual reflection and prayer. Individuals and families may practice daily or weekly Advent devotionals, prayer services, or attend special church services. These reflect on the significance of Christ’s birth and preparing one’s heart to celebrate Christmas. 

Other practices may include community celebrations, the use of nativity scenes and displays, special music and hymns, Advent calendars, fasting & repentance, and acts of kindness and charity. 

While practices can vary, the central theme of Advent is to prepare our hearts and minds to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ and to reflect on the hope, love, joy, and peace that His coming brings to the world. 

Advent as a Journey of Anticipation

The four weeks of Advent provide a structured journey of anticipation, mirroring the centuries of waiting for the promised Messiah. As individuals and communities engage in prayer, reflection, and acts of kindness, they actively participate in the preparation for the arrival of Christ. 

This period of waiting becomes a transformative process, fostering a sense of mindfulness and spiritual readiness.

The Symbolism of Light: The Light of the World

Light has been a powerful symbol across cultures and religions, representing enlightenment, guidance, and divine presence. In the context of Advent, the lighting of candles on the Advent wreath holds deep significance. Each candle represents a different aspect of the season—Hope, Love, Joy, and Peace—culminating in the central Christ candle lit on Christmas Day, signifying the arrival of Jesus, the Light of the World.

The title "Light of the World" is a significant and symbolic designation for Jesus Christ, rooted in various biblical passages that emphasize the spiritual illumination and guidance He brings to humanity. Here are some key reasons why Christ is referred to as the Light of the World:

• John 8:12

• John 9:5

• Isaiah 9:2

• Luke 1:78-79

• 2 Corinthians 4:6

• John 1:4-5

Christ is the Light of the world; his role is to repair our relationship with God and bring us back into relationship with our Father. Jesus reveals God’s truth, dispels darkness, and brings salvation and eternal life to those who believe in Him. Christ has a profound impact on the life of believers, and He transforms our dark work with His divine illumination. 

The Role of Individuals and Communities

As the candles on the Advent wreath are progressively lit, individuals and communities are encouraged to consider how they can bring light into the lives of those around them. 

Acts of generosity, expressions of love, and gestures of kindness become powerful ways to illuminate the darkness, echoing the transformative impact of Christ's birth on the world.

Conclusion

Advent stands as a beacon of hope, reminding us that even in the darkest moments, the light of Christ has the power to overcome. As we journey through this season of anticipation, may we be inspired to carry the light of love, joy, and peace into the world, becoming beacons of hope for those in need. In doing so, we continue the timeless tradition of celebrating the birth of Christ, the Light of the World, and carry forward the message of salvation for all.

I’ve created a simple Advent journal you can use in preparation for Christmas. You’ll find readings for each day, including the Sundays running up to Advent. I apologize for this coming late--we're already in the second week of Advent (I've been sick). You can still go back, do the readings, and write your reflections, starting with the first day of Advent to where we are now. You can access the journal on Google Docs for free. The digital Advent Journal 2023 can be used with GoodNotes or Xodo. The journal is free for personal use only and has been copyrighted. Follow this link to find the journal and a page with instructions! 

With the Advent journal, you'll also receive information on how to use it. It's a straightforward process--you read the scriptures, pray, and write down your reflections. This is not a guided journal. 

My wish for each of you is that the Advent season will bring increasing Light into your lives and that you will be a light to your part of the world, wherever that may be. I keep each of you in my prayers, too. 

God bless, and may you experience the Light and Love He offers,