Advent derives from the Latin word “adventus” which means arrival or coming. We are preparing to celebrate the birth of Jesus, but also preparing for His return! Advent begins the fourth Sunday before Christmas. It is a part of the church calendar. It is the "new year" of the church.

I do want to preface this blog post with saying that I am no Advent expert. I have not gone to seminary or anything like that. Take what I say and take it to the Lord. Ask Him if what I am saying is true and what you should learn from this and how and if you should observe Advent this year.

What is Advent? For me, it’s a way to prepare my heart for Christmas. The month of December is the season of Advent during which I am preparing my heart leading up to Christmas to celebrate the birth of Jesus and celebrate that He will come again. During the season of Lent, I set aside more time to be with Jesus and pray and read His Word in anticipation for remembering our sins and His death on the cross, as well as celebrating His resurrection. Lent is more of a solemn time of reflection as we draw near to the Lord. Advent is a more joyful time of celebration.

I have been asked if Advent is only for Catholics or certain denominations. I think originally people from particular denominations recognize and celebrate it more, but in the past years I have seen it become less denomination heavy, and more accepted, practiced and observed amongst the Christian community.

I grew up in, and still work at and attend, a Lutheran church where many observe the season of Advent. Each year our church kicks off the season with a special Advent Family Festival night where we decorate Advent logs, make swags, and eat yummy food.

There are four weekly themes for Advent: Hope, love, joy, peace

There is not an "official" order for these, so you might see them in different order in different Advent plans.

““The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness can never extinguish it... The one who is the true light, who gives light to everyone, was coming into the world... So the Word became human and made his home among us. He was full of unfailing love and faithfulness.” ”

— John 1:5, 9 & 14

Advent Themes & Verses to Read

Week 1 theme: Hope —> Verses for reading & reflecting:

Isaiah 40:31
Matthew 12:21
Hebrews 3:6
Romans 5:1-5

Week 2 theme: Love —> Verses for reading & reflecting:

1 Peter 2:24
Romans 6:23
John 10:17
Psalm 86:15

Week 3 theme: Joy —> Verses for reading & reflecting:

Psalm 5:11
Romans 15:13
Matthew 2:10
Luke 1:41

Week 3 theme: Peace —> Verses for reading & reflecting:

Romans 5:1
Isaiah 52:7
Luke 2:14
Isaiah 9:6

Wanna learn more about advent? Here are three resources.

1) The first way you can learn more about Advent is by watching the video above about the Advent log tradition that our church does each year. There is a coordinating printable in the Creative Faith Etsy shop that walks through the symbolism and verses to go along with this printable.

Click here for the Advent log printable.

2) You can check out the Unwrapping the Gifts of Advent collection. You can get the printable in the Creative Faith Etsy shop. It has verses for each week to read about the different Advent themes. There is also a coordinating Scripture writing journal you can get on Amazon.

3) I have four weeks of Advent free printables available in the Creative Faith freebie hub. The freebie hub has over 50 different free printables you can download!