Advent: Waiting in Worship- The Season of Holy Expectation

Understanding the Historical, Biblical, and Spiritual Significance of Advent

Scripture: Isaiah 9:6–7, Luke 2:10–11, Romans 15:13

A Season of Expectant Worship

As December unfolds, we often rush into the holiday season busy with lists, gatherings, and glittering lights. Yet Advent invites us to pause, to slow our pace, and to wait in worship. Advent, which means “coming” or “arrival,” is a season of holy expectation. It is a time to prepare our hearts to celebrate the birth of Christ and to look forward to His return.

This sacred season teaches us to wait not with worry, but with wonder. It’s a rhythm of hope, peace, joy, and love woven through the weeks leading to Christmas.

The Historical Significance of Advent

The tradition of Advent dates back to the 4th and 5th centuries, when early Christians used the weeks before Christmas as a period of prayer, fasting, and reflection. It originally mirrored the preparation for baptism after Epiphany, evolving over time into a season of anticipation for the coming of Christ, both His birth in Bethlehem and His future return as King.

By the Middle Ages, Advent became firmly established in Western Christianity as a four-week observance, beginning on the Sunday closest to November 30 (St. Andrew’s Day) and ending on Christmas Eve.

Early believers didn’t view Advent as a time of parties and presents, but as a time of preparation. It was meant to be a time to prepare your heart to receive the greatest gift: Emmanuel, God with us.

The Biblical Meaning of Advent

At its core, Advent is deeply rooted in Scripture — every candle, every reading, every prayer points to Christ, our Light.

• The First Advent — the birth of Jesus, the fulfillment of prophecy (Isaiah 7:14, Luke 2:10–11).

• The Second Advent — His promised return, when all things will be made new (Revelation 21:1–5).

Advent reminds us that the story of salvation began in a manger but will end in majesty. It’s a bridge between promise and fulfillment, calling us to live each day in hope-filled worship.

The Advent Wreath & Candles: Symbols of His Coming

The Advent wreath, often made of evergreen branches, represents eternal life — the unending love and faithfulness of God. Each candle lit during the four weeks holds rich meaning:

1. Week 1 – Hope (The Prophet’s Candle): Symbolizes the promises of the Messiah foretold by the prophets. Isaiah 9:2, 6–7

2. Week 2 – Peace (The Bethlehem Candle):Represents the peace Christ brings to all who trust in Him. Luke 2:13–14

3. Week 3 – Joy (The Shepherd’s Candle):A rose-colored candle, reflecting the joy of the Good News announced to the shepherds. Luke 2:10

4. Week 4 – Love (The Angel’s Candle):Symbolizes the boundless love of God made manifest in Christ. John 3:16, 1 John 4:9

The Fifth Candle – The Christ Candle (White):Lit on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day, it represents Jesus — the Light of the World. John 1:4–5

The Spiritual Significance: Worship in the Waiting

Advent isn’t just about looking back at Christ’s birth; it’s about living ready for His return. Spiritually, Advent calls us to:

• Prepare our hearts through repentance and prayer.

• Practice gratitude and generosity.

• Ponder the wonder of God’s faithfulness.

• Praise Him as we wait — worship that fills the waiting with purpose.

  
  

When we light each candle, we are not merely following tradition but we are declaring hope in a dark world, peace in our hearts, joy in our salvation, and love that never fails.

Closing Reflection & Prayer

As you light your Advent candles this December, whisper your “Everyday Hallelujah.” Let your waiting become worship. Let your worship become witness.

Prayer:

Father, teach me to wait with worshipful wonder. As I remember Christ’s coming and look for His return, fill me with Your hope, Your peace, Your joy, and Your love. Let my life shine with the light of Jesus. In His holy name, Amen.

With grace and love,

Yvonne Perry

Creator and Founder of The Bible Bloom