7 Benefits of Celebrating Advent: Finding Hope in Christ and Preparing for His Coming

Seven Benefits of Celebrating Advent

Advent is a season of expectation, waiting, and preparation for the coming of Jesus Christ. The four weeks leading up to Christmas are a time to reflect on the significance of Christ's birth and to anticipate His second coming. While Advent is not a mandated observance in Scripture, there are benefits to making it a part of your holiday rhythm. Here are seven reasons to celebrate Advent:

1. Advent Reminds Us of God's Grand Plan

Advent is an opportunity to refresh our perspective that God has a grand plan for history that is so much larger than us. It reminds us that we are not the center of God's plan but rather that He is the author of history and the one who is working all things for His glory and our good. The Bible is filled with promises of God's plan, such as:

• Isaiah 9:6-7 - "For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. The zeal of the Lord Almighty will accomplish this."


• Romans 8:28-30 - "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters. And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified."

These verses remind us that God has a plan for the world and that He is working out that plan through His Son, Jesus Christ. Advent helps us to remember that we are part of a larger story and that our lives are significant because we are part of God's plan.

2. Advent Helps Us to Focus on Christ

Advent is a season of waiting for the coming of Christ. It helps us to focus on Jesus and to remember the significance of His birth. It reminds us that Jesus is the reason for the season and that our celebrations should be centered on Him. The Bible tells us that Jesus is the long-awaited Messiah who came to save His people:

• Isaiah 7:14 - "Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel."


• Matthew 1:21-23 - "She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.” All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: “The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel” (which means “God with us”)."

Advent reminds us of the miracle of Christ's birth and helps us to focus on His life, death, and resurrection.

3. Advent Helps Us to Wait Patiently

Advent is a season of waiting, and waiting is not always easy. It requires patience and trust in God's timing. The Bible is filled with stories of waiting, such as:

• Abraham and Sarah - who waited for years for a child (Genesis 18:1-15)


• Joseph - who waited in prison for years before being released (Genesis 39-41)


• David - who waited to become king (1 Samuel 16-31)

These stories remind us that waiting is a part of life and that God is with us in the waiting. Advent helps us to wait patiently for the coming of Christ and to trust in God's timing for all things.

4. Advent Helps Us to Prepare

Advent is also a season of preparation. It reminds us to prepare our hearts and minds for the coming of Christ. The Bible tells us to prepare for the coming of the Lord:

• Isaiah 40:3-5 - "A voice of one calling: “In the wilderness prepare the way for the Lord; make straight in the desert a highway for our God. Every valley shall be raised up, every mountain and hill made low; the rough ground shall become level, the rugged places a plain. And the glory of the Lord will be revealed, and all people will see it together. For the mouth of the Lord has spoken.”"


• Malachi 3:1-3 - "“I will send my messenger, who will prepare the way before me. Then suddenly the Lord you are seeking will come to his temple; the messenger of the covenant, whom you desire, will come,” says the Lord Almighty. But who can endure the day of his coming? Who can stand when he appears? For he will be like a refiner’s fire or a launderer’s soap. He will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver; he will purify the Levites and refine them like gold and silver."

Advent helps us to prepare our hearts and minds for the coming of Christ by examining our lives and making changes where necessary. It reminds us to repent of our sins and to turn to God for forgiveness and salvation.

5. Advent Helps Us to Experience the Joy of Anticipation

Advent is a season of anticipation and expectation. It reminds us of the joy of waiting for something good to happen. The Bible tells us that waiting can be a joyful experience:

• Psalm 37:7 - "Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him; do not fret when people succeed in their ways, when they carry out their wicked schemes."


• Isaiah 40:31 - "But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint."

Advent helps us to experience the joy of anticipation as we wait for the coming of Christ.

6. Advent Helps Us to Share the Gospel

Advent is a season of evangelism. It reminds us of the good news of Christ's birth and gives us opportunities to share that news with others. The Bible tells us to share the gospel with others:

• Mark 16:15 - "He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation."


• Matthew 28:19-20 - "Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”"

Advent gives us opportunities to share the gospel with others as we celebrate the birth of Christ and anticipate His second coming.

7. Advent Helps Us to Find Hope in Christ

Advent is a season of hope. It reminds us that Christ has come and that He will come again. The Bible tells us that hope is found in Christ:

• 1 Peter 1:3-4 - "Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade. This inheritance is kept in heaven for you."


• Hebrews 6:19-20 - "We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. It enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain, where our forerunner, Jesus, has entered on our behalf. He has become a high priest forever, in the order of Melchizedek."

Advent helps us to find hope in Christ as we wait for His second coming and the fulfillment of His promises.

Conclusion

Advent is a season of expectation, waiting, and preparation for the coming of Jesus Christ. It reminds us of God's grand plan for history, helps us to focus on Christ, teaches us to wait patiently and to prepare our hearts and minds, helps us to experience the joy of anticipation, gives us opportunities to share the gospel, and helps us to find hope in Christ. While Advent is not a mandated observance in Scripture, it is a beneficial practice that can enrich our spiritual lives and deepen our understanding of the significance of Christ's birth and second coming.