The Christmas season is often filled with hustle and bustle, but observing Advent can be an intentional opportunity to remember the "reason for the season" - celebrating the coming of Jesus Christ.

The word Advent means "coming" or "arrival." During Advent, we are celebrating the first coming of Jesus and his birth in Bethlehem. But we also are looking forward to the second Advent, when Christ will return again.

Whether you're celebrating the Advent season personally, with your family, or with your church community, intentionally observing this season can deepen your faith and bring greater meaning to celebrating Christmas. Here are three ways to observe Advent this year.

Light Advent Candles

For both personal and corporate worship, lighting Advent candles can be a meaningful way to reflect on the season of Advent. Traditionally, one candle is lit each week, each representing a theme of hope, peace, joy, and love of Christ. The final, fifth candle is lit on Christmas day to represent Christ as the Light of the World.

The candles are reminders from Isaiah 9:2 that "the people walking in darkness have seen a great light; a light has dawned on those living in the land of darkness."

"The people walking in darkness have seen a great light;
a light has dawned on those living in the land of darkness."

Isaiah 9:2 CSB

Advent Calendar 

An Advent calendar is a fun and visual way to count down the days to Christmas. Typically, Advent calendars are only 24 days and often include small prizes or treats behind a door for each day, creating a sense of excitement and anticipation.  

There are many types of Advent calendars to choose from: 

  • Reusable decorative calendars you can fill each year 

  • Themed calendars like chocolate, socks, or even pet treats 

  • Faith-based calendars that include Bible verses or prayers for each day 

Complete an Advent Bible Study

Advent Bible studies are a great way to prepare your heart spiritually. These studies span the duration of the four-week Advent season and usually have a verse by verse or thematic approach. Complete the study by yourself or gather a group of friends to join you for it!