Advent 2025

What is Advent?

Advent is a four-week season of celebration and observation leading up to Christmas. 

The word, “Advent”, comes from the Latin word adventus, which simply means “arrival” or “coming”. While the earliest dating of the Advent is unknown, by the 4th Century AD, written evidence of Advent is found in modern Spain and Europe. One of the earliest official mentions of Advent comes from the Council of Sargossa (380 AD).

Throughout church history, most celebrations of Advent had a dual focus. Adventus was the Latin translation of the Greek word Parousia, which referred both to the First Coming of Jesus (the Incarnation) and his Second Coming, when he will consummate his kingdom and restore all creation (see Matthew 24:27; 1 Corinthians 15:23; 1 Thessalonians 3:13).

What is the PURPOSE of Advent?

Advent is a season of connecting to our deepest longing.

It’s a season during which we recognize the truth of Romans 8:22, that “the whole creation has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until now.”

Waiting reminds us that our world is not as it should be. Since the Fall in Genesis 3, our world has been plagued by sin. It’s taken different forms throughout the centuries, but the reality hasn’t changed. This world is broken and longs for redemption.

The world tempts us to keep this yearning at bay with an abundance of instant gratification. Same day delivery, self-checkout, and streaming services have made waiting less of an accepted reality and more of an avoidable inconvenience. The downside is that our hearts are being conditioned to lose touch with our deepest longings. Why confront our sorrows when we can paper over them with delicious treats and shiny trinkets delivered directly to our doors?

But imagine a life where you skip to the end of every book and microwave every meal. Where it’s all punchlines and fortes with no set ups or crescendos. Just people shouting “He’s Luke’s father!” in the first five minutes of the trilogy. What a sad reality that would be!

The waiting of Advent lets us sit in the build-up of joy. It allows us to deliberately ache for and wait on the only one who can truly fulfill our deepest hope: Jesus Christ.

As we sing songs about his arrival and read passages of his thousand year-old promises, God fills our hearts with anticipatory hope. He reminds us of both promises past which have already been fulfilled and promises future whose fulfillment is still coming. And we are assured that just as past waiting on God has been rewarded, future waiting will be as well.

I wait for the LORD, my soul waits,
and in his word I hope;
my soul waits for the Lord
more than watchmen for the morning,
more than watchmen for the morning.
Psalm 130:5–6

How can I step into Hope of Christ this Advent?

Join us for our Advent Sermon Series during which we’ll explore the Hope, Peace, Joy and Love of Christ (Nov. 30, Dec. 7, Dec. 14, Dec. 21).

Join us for our Advent Worship and Prayer Gathering (Saturday December 13 at 7:00pm) where we'll spend extended time in worship and prayer remembering God's promises and sitting in his presence.

Join us for our Christmas Party Celebration (Saturday December 20 at 5:30pm) where we will celebrate in community together as we enjoy good food and encouraging fellowship.

In addition to the above, check out our Advent Devotional Plan, YouTube Links, and Spotify Playlist below:

Advent DEVOTIONAL PLAN

Advent Youtube Playlist

Advent Spotify Playlist