Advent is a season in the Christian liturgical calendar that leads up to Christmas. It begins on the fourth Sunday before Christmas and ends on December 24th. Advent lasts for four Sundays, with each Sunday highlighting a specific theme.
The four themes of Advent, in order, are:
Hope
The first Sunday of Advent focuses on the theme of hope. It marks the beginning of a new liturgical year in many churches. During this week, scripture readings and sermons emphasize the hope found in the coming of Christ.
Bible passages that represent the hope of Advent include Isaiah 11:1-10 and Psalm 25. These discuss the hope and anticipation of the Messiah’s coming. Jesus fulfilled these prophesies as the savior of the world. As we prepare for Christmas, we also renew our hope in Christ’s presence in the world.
Peace
On the second Sunday, the theme shifts to peace. The readings and hymns on this day remind us that Jesus came to bring peace on earth. His teachings show us the path to inner peace and peace within the community.
Important Advent scriptures about peace include Isaiah 2:1-5 and Psalm 85. These talk about God’s kingdom of peace and how righteousness and faithfulness will lead to peace on earth. As we get closer to Christmas, we strive to cultivate peace in our own hearts and bring more peace into the world around us.
Joy
The third Sunday of Advent focuses on joy. At this point we are drawing closer to Christmas and the celebration of Jesus’ birth. The lighted wreath candles remind us that the light of Christ is near.
Readings emphasize the abundant joy found in God’s presence and the coming of his kingdom. Scriptures for the third week of Advent include Isaiah 12 and Luke 1:46-55. Both express overflowing joy and praise in the Lord. This joyful expectation encourages us as we anticipate the anniversary of our Savior’s nativity.
Love
Love is the theme for the fourth and final Sunday of Advent. On this Sunday, our anticipation has built to a climax as Christmas Eve approaches. Bible verses highlight God’s infinite love for the world in sending his only Son.
Scriptures for the fourth Sunday include Isaiah 9:2-7 and Psalm 98. These celebrate the dawning light of Christ’s birth with triumphant love and radiant joy. As Advent ends, we rejoice in God’s perfect love manifested through the gift of Jesus Christ our Savior.
Themes in Summary
In summary, the four themes of Advent in their liturgical order are:
- Hope
- Peace
- Joy
- Love
These interweaving themes each have their own significance but build on each other to create the full impact of the Advent season. They help guide our reflections and spiritual growth as we walk through the four weeks leading up to Christmas.
Origins of the Themes
The exact origin of the specific themes for each Advent Sunday is uncertain, but they have been observed for centuries in various church traditions. The theological groundwork for the themes is found in Scripture and in earlier Christian spiritual writings.
Early Christian leaders like St. Augustine wrote about the multi-layered meaning of Advent as a season of expectant waiting and preparation. The four weeks mirror the centuries of biblical history that prepared the way for the coming Messiah.
By the Middle Ages, many churches had established Advent as a season marked with fasting, prayer, and reflection on the four last things (death, judgment, heaven, and hell). Certain Sundays also focused on specific prophesies or events leading up to Jesus’ birth.
Over time, these Sundays crystallized into the four themes we observe today – hope, peace, joy, and love. The themes tie Scripture readings to our present-day Advent celebration and spiritual journey as Christians.
Color and Symbolism
In addition to the four themes, the weeks of Advent are associated with different colors and symbolic meanings:
| Week | Theme | Color | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Hope | Purple | Royalty & anticipation |
| 2 | Peace | Purple | Royalty & anticipation |
| 3 | Joy | Pink | Rejoicing |
| 4 | Love | Purple | Royalty & anticipation |
The purple or blue color for most of the season represents royalty and eager anticipation. This comes from ancient tradition of using purple dye for royal garments.
On the third Sunday, the pink or rose color symbolizes joy and celebration as we get closer to Jesus’ birth. The increasing light also reminds us of the coming light of Christ into the world.
Traditions and Practices
There are many traditional practices that align with the four themes of Advent and help us reflect on their spiritual meaning:
- Advent wreaths – The circular evergreen wreath and 4 candles tie to each week’s theme. The light grows brighter each Sunday as Christmas approaches.
- Advent calendars – These countdowns help build excitement and anticipation for Christmas.
- Advent hymns – Songs like “O Come, O Come Emmanuel” reflect the expectant longing of the season.
- Advent reflections – Devotionals and Bible studies focused on the weekly themes are common.
- Giving trees – Providing gifts for others reflects the love, joy, and peace of Christ.
- Jesse trees – Ornaments recount the biblical story leading up to Jesus.
- Nativity scenes – Manger displays remind us of God’s gift of Christ to the world.
Churches and families incorporate many creative practices like these to make the Advent themes come alive. The traditions not only build anticipation for Christmas but also cultivate spiritual virtues that we can carry with us into the new year.
Advent in Other Christian Traditions
While Advent is universally observed in the weeks before Christmas, different Christian denominations approach the season in varying ways:
- Catholic – Advent is a penitential season with purple vestments, prayer, fasting, and no Gloria during Mass.
- Lutheran – The season focuses on the light and hope of Christ with emphasis on preparatory prayer.
- Anglican – Churches use an Advent wreath with weekly candles lit at Evensong services.
- Methodist – Congregations observe a more celebratory tone as Christmas draws near.
- Orthodox – The Nativity Fast lasts 40 days and involves fasting from meat, dairy, fish, wine and oil.
While specific rituals vary, the underlying Advent themes remain constant across all Christian denominations. The weeks emphasize spiritual preparation to celebrate the true meaning of Christ’s birth at Christmas.
Conclusion
Advent is a meaningful time of spiritual reflection leading up to the Christmas season. The four themes of hope, peace, joy, and love provide a framework for our preparations. As we move week-by-week through the Advent season, each theme builds in significance to create a spirit of hopeful anticipation.
The Advent themes interweave scripture, traditions, symbols, music, and prayer practices to enrich our observance. Taking time to meditate on these key virtues deepens our faith as we look forward to celebrating Christ’s birth. The spiritual focus of Advent goes far beyond just the countdown to Christmas Day.
Observing the ordered sequence of hope, peace, joy, and love invites us to emulate and share these virtues. As we reflect on the first coming of Jesus, we also renew our hope in His promise to return again. The message of Advent continues to light our paths with guidance, meaning, and inspiration today.