The Essence of Advent: A Journey Towards Christmas

The Advent season is a sacred time for Christians, a period dedicated to preparing the heart, mind, and soul for the arrival of the King of Kings. Following the Thanksgiving celebrations, these weeks lead up to Christmas, signifying a time of reflection and anticipation. Pastor Max Lucado eloquently describes the connection between Advent and Christmas, stating, “Advent is to Christmas what Lent is to Easter.” Such a statement underscores the profound relationship between these cornerstone Christian holy days; while Christmas marks the birth of Jesus, Easter celebrates His purpose — the redemption of humanity.

The Commercialization of Christmas

In recent decades, however, the true essence of Advent and Christmas has often been overshadowed by the hustle and bustle of consumerism — the buying of gifts, attending parties, and the ubiquitous image of Santa Claus. Even the traditional phrases of “comfort and joy” have been commodified, focusing more on general happiness than the profound significance of the Savior’s birth. Theologians remind us that while these festive traditions can be delightful, they should be rooted in the foundational event: the birth of Jesus Christ.

The Symbolism of Advent Candles

The Advent season brings meaningful reminders through the lighting of Advent candles. These candles encapsulate the essence of Christmas and serve as guides for believers, emphasizing four fundamental themes: hope, peace, joy, and love — all culminating in the message of Jesus Christ.

Hope: The First Advent Candle

Lighting the first Advent candle signifies the hope that resides in every human heart, a hope deeply rooted in the Old Testament prophecies of a coming Messiah. The Old Testament is filled with hundreds of prophetic messages, some penned centuries before Jesus’ birth, which foreshadowed the arrival of the Savior. These prophecies detail everything from His humble beginnings and Bethlehem birth to His virgin birth and mission as the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world.

Noted apologist Hank Hanegraaff, famously known as “The Bible Answer Man,” elaborates on Jesus’ impeccable lineage, tracing it back to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, through the tribe of Judah and the royal line of King David. Such precision makes it virtually impossible for any impostor to fulfill these Messianic prophecies. Theologians estimate that Jesus fulfilled anywhere from 100 to 400 of these prophetic scriptures. Anne Graham Lotz, the daughter of evangelist Billy Graham, emphasized Isaiah’s prophecy regarding a Messiah referred to as “Wonderful Counselor, Almighty God, Prince of Peace,” adding that “by His stripes, we would be healed.”

A striking example connecting the Old Testament to the New is found in the Exodus narrative. During the first Passover, the Israelites marked their doorframes with the blood of a lamb to protect themselves from impending death. This act foreshadowed Jesus’s ultimate sacrifice. For centuries, Jews commemorated this event through the sacrifice of lambs, which were cared for by shepherds using swaddling cloths to prevent injury. Remarkably, it was to those same humble shepherds in Bethlehem that angels proclaimed the birth of Jesus, the true Passover Lamb.

Peace: The Second Advent Candle

The second Advent candle symbolizes the peace that our hearts yearn for—peace that can only be found through understanding the Incarnation, the profound concept of God becoming flesh. Christmas recounts the historical birth of Jesus, but the Incarnation reveals its true essence: the Creator of the Universe taking on human form to dwell among us, a claim that distinguishes Christianity from all other faiths.

The Gospel of John articulates this truth beautifully: “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” The Greek term for “Word,” Logos, refers to the ultimate reality underlying all existence. John asserts that this Logos, which encompasses science, philosophy, and creation, took human form and “tabernacled” among us. This imagery harkens back to the Tabernacle of Moses, symbolizing God dwelling with His people in the wilderness. Thus, in Jesus, God permanently made His dwelling among humanity.

Pastor Timothy Keller, founder of Redeemer Presbyterian Church, emphasized that the Gospel is not merely good advice; it is Good News — a revelation of what God has done to liberate us. Keller highlights a significant contrast between many worldviews that suggest self-salvation through morality and enlightenment and the Christian revelation of humanity’s desperate need for divine intervention through Christ’s sacrificial death.

Joy: The Third Advent Candle

The third Advent candle focuses on joy. Even amid secularism and pluralism, the echoes of Christmas resonate profoundly with all — a celebration of joy that transcends mere happiness. The teachings of Jesus emphasize that true joy is found not in material possessions or seasonal festivities but in the promise of God’s love and grace.

Joy is deeply interwoven within the narratives of Scripture surrounding Jesus’ birth. The proclamation of His birth by the angels to the shepherds resonated with the message of joy intended for all humankind: “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people” (Luke 2:10). This announcement reflects not just a fleeting happiness but an enduring joy tied to the hope and peace established through Christ.

Love: The Fourth Advent Candle

The fourth Advent candle epitomizes love—the profound love God has for humanity, culminating in the gift of His Son. John 3:16 summarizes this extravagant love: “For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.” This verse captures the essence of what Christmas represents — a gift freely given to restore broken relationships and provide salvation.

The narrative of Jesus’ birth illustrates love in action. The humble circumstances surrounding His arrival — born in a manger, visited by shepherds — emphasize the message that God’s love is accessible to everyone, regardless of social status or standing. It reminds believers that in their own journey, they can experience this divine love manifested through the birth of Christ.

Conclusion: Reclaiming the Spirit of Advent

As we immerse ourselves in the Advent season, it’s crucial to reclaim its spirit and intent. While the world may place emphasis on commercialization and superficial joy, Christians are called to reflect deeply on the hope, peace, joy, and love signified by the Advent candles. This sacred season serves not only as a lead-up to Christmas but as a profound reminder of God’s promises fulfilled in Jesus. As Christians prepare their hearts and minds for the celebration of Jesus’s birth, they are encouraged to embrace Advent as a meaningful pathway toward understanding the true essence of Christmas and the transformative power it holds for humanity.