The season of Advent marks the beginning of the liturgical year in many Christian churches. It lasts for the four Sundays leading up to Christmas. Each of these Sundays has a specific spiritual theme to help Christians prepare for the celebration of Christ’s birth.
Hope
The first Sunday of Advent focuses on the theme of hope. This theme is captured in the prophecy from Isaiah that a messiah would come to redeem God’s people: “The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned” (Isaiah 9:2). Christians embrace the promise that Jesus Christ brings salvation as the fulfillment of this prophecy. The Advent wreath candle for this first Sunday is often colored purple, which signifies hopeful anticipation.
Peace
On the second Sunday, the theme shifts to peace. The coming of Jesus Christ brings the hope of reconciliation between God and humanity. His sacrifice will bridge the gap caused by sin. The biblical passage for this Sunday frequently comes from Isaiah 11 or Isaiah 40, prophecies about the future reign of the Messiah bringing justice and peace. The Advent candle lit this week is also purple for peace.
Joy
The third Sunday emphasizes joy and rejoicing. The nearness of Christmas heightens the sense of glad anticipation. Christians delight that the Savior’s birth will mean salvation for all people. Readings for Joy Sunday include Isaiah 35:1-10, describing the desert bursting into bloom, and the exultation of Mary’s Magnificat when she learns she will bear the Messiah (Luke 1:46-55). This week’s Advent candle is often colored pink to represent joy.
Love
On the last Sunday before Christmas, the focus turns to love. God’s perfect love compels him to send his only Son for the sake of the world (John 3:16-17). Readings emphasize the great gift of Christ that comes through God’s love. Christians also aim to share divine love and compassion with those in need. The Advent candle for Love Sunday is colored purple or sometimes blue.
Advent Calendar
Many families observe Advent traditions that align with these weekly themes. A popular custom is the Advent calendar, which often takes the form of a paper calendar with 25 doors that children open day-by-day in December up until Christmas Eve. Each door reveals a Bible verse, devotional thought, or small treat like a chocolate. Here is an example Advent calendar schedule that follows the four themes:
| Date | Theme | Item |
|---|---|---|
| Dec 1 | Hope | Isaiah 9:6 verse under door |
| Dec 2 | Hope | Chocolate |
| Dec 3 | Hope | Hebrews 6:19 verse |
| Dec 8 | Peace | Isaiah 11:6 verse |
| Dec 9 | Peace | Chocolate |
| Dec 10 | Peace | John 14:27 verse |
| Dec 15 | Joy | Luke 2:10 verse |
| Dec 16 | Joy | Chocolate |
| Dec 17 | Joy | Psalm 126:3 verse |
| Dec 22 | Love | 1 John 4:9 verse |
| Dec 23 | Love | Chocolate |
| Dec 24 | Love | John 3:16 verse |
Following this Advent calendar is a fun way for families to engage with the deeper spiritual meaning behind the countdown to Christmas, rather than just opening meaningless trinkets each day. The four themes guide children to understand how the birth of Jesus fulfills Old Testament prophecies and brings hope, peace, joy, and love into the world.
Advent Wreath
Another tradition that captures the four themes is the Advent wreath. This circular wreath contains five candles – four purple or blue candles around the wreath, and one white candle in the center. Here is how the Advent wreath aligns with the weekly themes:
| Week | Theme | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Week 1 | Hope | Light first purple candle |
| Week 2 | Peace | Light second purple candle |
| Week 3 | Joy | Light pink candle |
| Week 4 | Love | Light third purple candle |
| Christmas Eve | N/A | Light all candles including white center candle |
Families gather around the wreath each Sunday of Advent to light the appropriate candles and say a prayer. The increasing light signifies the nearness of Jesus Christ as the coming Savior of the world. On Christmas Eve, all the candles are lit to welcome the light of Christ into the darkness.
Advent Reflections
Personal devotionals are another meaningful Advent tradition. Daily reflections tied to the four themes help Christians prepare their hearts for Christmas throughout the season. Here are examples of prompts for each theme:
Hope
– What hopes and longings do you bring to Jesus this Advent season?
– Reflect on Isaiah’s prophecy of the coming Messiah. What does hope look like in a world filled with suffering and despair?
Peace
– Where do you need Christ’s peace in your life today?
– Consider how Jesus fulfills the prophecy of the Messiah bringing justice. What injustices in the world break your heart?
Joy
– Name three things that bring you joy during this Advent season.
– How can you spread joy to those around you this week?
Love
– Reflect on how Jesus’ birth exemplifies God’s perfect love. How have you experienced God’s love this year?
– Who in your life needs an outpouring of love this Christmas season?
Journaling, meditating, or discussing these prompts is a meaningful way to align one’s heart with the deeper spiritual journey of Advent before celebrating Christmas.
Conclusion
The four themes of Advent – hope, peace, joy, and love – provide a powerful framework for believers to fully embrace the coming of Christ both 2000 years ago and today. Families can engage in meaningful traditions to focus their hearts and minds each week of December leading to Christmas. Lighting Advent candles, opening themed doors on a calendar, and journaling on devotional prompts all help Christians enter into the profound truths found in Scripture prophecies and the miracle of the incarnation. Rather than getting caught up in secular Christmas hype, purposefully observing Advent nurtures a rich, grounded, and hopeful faith.