What is the Meaning of Advent?
Advent is probably the most misunderstood celebration on the Christian calendar. It’s not like Christmas or Easter. Everyone knows the ultimate purpose for celebrating Jesus’ birth and resurrection. But, Advent is lost on many Christians.
Over the years I’ve gotten into “trouble” with pew sitters for not playing enough Christmas music in the weeks leading up to Christmas. “I want to sing Joy to The World!” is the common refrain. “Get rid of all this other stuff!” Most people just don’t realize they are missing out on so much beauty and meaning. So, what is the meaning of advent?
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Advent Was Originally a Fast
While the celebration of advent is certainly not a biblically commanded observance, it does have special significance in church history. According to Saint Gregory of Tours, who lived in the sixth century, Advent was originally connected to St. Martin’s day on November 11th. The period between St. Martin’s and Christmas was to be marked with fasting and prayer in preparation for the feast of Christmas.
Advent Remembers the Prophets
In the modern period, advent has evolved from a season of fasting, to a season of hope. During advent we remember those who in the prophetic age looked forward to a savior. They held hope that some day God would deliver on his promise to send a savior. They longed for the prophesied seed of the woman who would crush the serpent’s head; the seed of Abraham and David who would reign on the throne as king forever. Our celebration of Advent is a look back and recognition of their hope.
Advent Looks Forward to the Second Coming
At the same time, on this side of the cross, we look ahead. The savior has already come, once. We look forward in anticipation of our Savior’s triumphant second return. We share a similar hope to those who waited the first time, only now we have a Name and cross to which we cling. We long for the day when our savior returns to destroy sin and death and wipe away our tears once and for all.
So, what is the meaning of advent? Advent simultaneously looks forward and back. It is a remembrance and a hope. Those who rush past the days and skip ahead to the baby in the manger miss out on the beauty that is found in waiting. Christ’ return will be in the Father’s own time. Until then, he has a sanctifying reason to delay. We wait for His glory and our good. Let’s hold off on Joy to the World for just a little while longer.