The season of Advent is upon us again. Since we have many new people at Redeemer (and many who are new to Jesus and church), I wanted to take a moment to explain what this season is and how it serves our discipleship to Jesus.
Advent is the four-week journey leading up to Christmas, but it’s far more than a countdown. It’s a season the Church has observed for centuries, inviting us to slow down, tune our hearts to God’s story, and remember why the birth of Jesus is such good news.
Advent reminds us that God meets His people in the tension between promise and fulfillment, between what has already come and what is still yet to come. It’s a season shaped by hope, waiting, and the quiet confidence that God is always at work—especially when we cannot yet see it.
Engaging the season will serve you in three meaningful ways.
1. Advent Creates Space to Reflect on the Faithfulness of God
Before we rush to celebrate the birth of Jesus, Advent invites us to remember the long arc of God’s story. For generations, God’s people waited for the Messiah, holding on to promises of the Old Testament prophets:
“The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light.” — Isaiah 9:2
“Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son.” — Isaiah 7:14
In the birth of Jesus, these ancient promises burst into reality. God did exactly what He said He would do — but in His timing, not ours. Advent gently teaches us this truth again: God is faithful even when we feel stuck in the waiting. His timing is never hurried, yet never late.
In a world addicted to speed and instant results, Advent slows our pace and gives us space for reflection. It reminds us that God’s faithfulness does not depend on our understanding of His timeline. Waiting is not wasted when God is in it.
2. Advent Celebrates Jesus as the Light of the World
During this season we light candles, hang greenery, and illuminate our homes—not merely for ambiance, but as a symbol of the Light who has come into the darkness. Jesus Himself said:
“I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” — John 8:12
Look around long enough and you’ll see the brokenness and shadows of our world. But Advent refuses to let darkness define reality. Instead, it proclaims that Christ has come and the darkness cannot overcome Him (John 1:5). Every Advent candle we light is a small act of defiance against despair. Every string of lights is a reminder that hope shines into the places we’d rather avoid.
This season awakens a spirit of worship. We remember that God stepped into our world to shine light upon the dark places of our lives — light that exposes, heals, and leads up into new life.
3. Advent Cultivates a Longing for Christ’s Return
Advent not only roots us in the past and grounds us in the present. It lifts our eyes to the future. As we remember Christ’s first coming, we anticipate His second. In the middle of December’s busyness, Advent calls us to slow down, clear the noise, and re-center our hearts on Jesus.
Scripture reminds us:
“He who is seated on the throne says, ‘Behold, I am making all things new.’” — Revelation 21:5
“Come, Lord Jesus!” — Revelation 22:20
These verses capture Advent’s longing. They teach us to look with hope toward the day when Jesus will return to fully restore creation, heal every wound, and wipe away every tear. Advent forms this longing within us — it recalibrates our expectations and reminds us where our true hope rests.
Don’t Waste The Season
Take up the challenge to truly engage the season of Advent. Find a Bible preaching, Christ-centered church and don’t miss a Sunday during Advent. Find an Advent devotional and open your Bible daily.
I’d love for you to join us on Sundays at Redeemer as we enter this season together. We have several resources to help you engage at home during the week — a devotional guide, a family resource, and a worship EP.
Let’s slow down, look to Christ, and remember the good news that He has come…and He is coming again.
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