Advent — Preparing Our Hearts for the Coming of Jesus
- Elisabeth H. Drew
- Nov 24, 2025
- 9 min read
Updated: Jan 8
Advent is a season of expectation, reflection, and preparation. For Christians, it is an invitation to slow down spiritually and focus our hearts on Jesus Christ — the One who came to save us, who walks with us today, and who will come again in glory. More than a countdown to Christmas, Advent helps us return to a posture of hope, repentance, and longing for God’s presence.
The word “Advent” comes from the Latin adventus, meaning “coming” or “arrival.” Throughout the Old Testament, God’s people lived in anticipation of the promised Messiah. Today, Christians remember His first coming in Bethlehem, while also looking forward to His promised return. Advent teaches us that waiting is not passive. It is active, prayerful, and full of faith.
Isaiah 9:6 For a child is born to us. A son is given to us; and the government will be on his shoulders. His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
This verse reminds us who Jesus is and why His coming matters. He is the source of peace and guidance, the eternal Father who reigns with power.
In this article, Advent — Preparing Our Hearts for the Coming of Jesus, you will discover the meaning and history of Advent, understand why Christians observe it, explore creative ways to connect with Jesus during this season, find Scripture-based encouragement, and learn how Advent can deepen your walk with Christ in simple, meaningful ways.
The History of Advent — Where It Comes From
The tradition of Advent has deep roots in early Christianity. Although Scripture does not command a specific Advent season, early believers recognized the spiritual need to prepare their hearts for the coming of Jesus Christ. Over time, this grew into a meaningful and intentional period of prayer, repentance, and expectation.
As early as the fourth and fifth centuries, churches in Spain and Gaul practiced a season of preparation before Christmas. It was originally marked by fasting and prayer, similar to Lent, and helped Christians meditate on both the incarnation and the promised return of Christ.
By the sixth century, the Roman church began shaping Advent into a structured season on the Christian calendar. While Lent prepared believers for Easter, Advent became a time of longing and hope — remembering Christ’s first coming and anticipating His second coming in glory. Over centuries, Advent developed into the four-week season widely recognized today.
Its themes — hope, peace, joy, and love — were shaped through Scripture readings, sermons, and prayers centered on the fulfillment of God’s promises.
Galatians 4:4–5 But when the fullness of the time came, God sent his Son, born to a woman, born under the law, that he might redeem those who were under the law, that we might receive the adoption as children.
Throughout Christian history, Advent has carried one purpose: to turn the heart of the believer toward Jesus with renewed devotion, gratitude, and anticipation. Whether formally observed or not, the message of Advent remains timeless — Christ has come, Christ is with us, and Christ will come again.
Do All Christians Celebrate Advent? Understanding the Diversity of Practice
Not all Christians celebrate Advent in the same way. Some traditions have practiced Advent for centuries, while others approach the season more simply or do not observe it at all. What matters most is the posture of the heart toward Jesus Christ—not the external tradition itself.
Many liturgical churches—Anglican, Lutheran, Methodist, Presbyterian, and Catholic—observe Advent annually with Scripture readings, themes, and worship practices meant to deepen reflection on Christ’s coming.
Evangelical and non-denominational churches vary widely. Some embrace Advent as a meaningful rhythm that strengthens worship and biblical focus during December. Others do not follow the liturgical calendar but still devote the season to preaching Christ and the hope of the Gospel.
Advent is not a biblical requirement, but its message is rooted in Scripture and points believers toward Jesus.
Luke 2:11 For there is born to you today, in David’s city, a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.
Whether a believer observes Advent formally or not, the calling remains the same: to honor Christ every day, walk in His Word, and remember His promises.
Colossians 3:17 Whatever you do, in word or in deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
Why Advent Can Be Celebrated by All Christians
In a world filled with anxiety, constant activity, and spiritual weariness, Advent calls us back to a slower, more intentional walk with the Lord. It is a period to deepen our relationship with Jesus through prayer, Scripture meditation, repentance, and worship.
The season helps believersfocus on Christ’s promisesremember God’s faithfulnesslay down distractionsrenew spiritual hungerand prepare their hearts to celebrate Christ with reverence
As we journey through this sacred time, we rediscover that true hope and peace are found in Jesus alone.
John 1:9 The true light that enlightens everyone was coming into the world.
Although Advent is not a biblical requirement, it can be embraced by all Christians as a meaningful way to draw closer to Jesus, focus on His coming, and deepen daily devotion to Him.
How Advent Shapes Our Hearts Today
Advent invites us to cultivate hope in a world that often feels uncertain. It reminds us that God’s presence is near and that Jesus came to bring salvation and peace. This season encourages us to:
Focus on Jesus, not just the holiday: Advent shifts our attention from commercialism to the spiritual significance of Christmas.
Renew our faith: By reflecting on Jesus’ first coming, we strengthen our trust in His ongoing presence.
Look forward to the future: Advent points us to the promise of Jesus’ return, inspiring us to live with purpose and expectation.
By embracing these themes, we allow Advent to transform our spiritual lives.
The Hope That Advent Brings
Advent is a season of hope because it reminds us that God keeps His promises. The birth of Jesus was a turning point in history, bringing light into darkness. This hope is not just for the past but for the present and future. It encourages us to:
Trust God’s timing even when waiting feels hard.
Find peace in the presence of Jesus today.
Live with confidence in the promise of His return.
This hope shapes how we face challenges and how we share love with others.
Embracing Advent in Your Spiritual Journey
To truly embrace Advent, consider these steps:
Set aside daily time for prayer and reflection.
Create a simple Advent ritual that fits your lifestyle.
Share the meaning of Advent with family or friends.
Use this season to renew your commitment to living out your faith.
Remember that Advent is a journey of transformation, not just a calendar event.
By doing so, you open your heart to the full meaning of this sacred season.
The Spiritual Practice of Waiting
Waiting during Advent is not about impatience or mere anticipation. It is an active spiritual practice that shapes our hearts and minds. Here are some ways to engage in this waiting:
Prayer and Reflection: Use daily moments to pray and meditate on Scripture. Focus on the promises of God and the character of Jesus.
Repentance and Renewal: Advent calls us to examine our lives and turn away from distractions or habits that pull us from God.
Acts of Kindness: Preparing for Jesus’ coming means living out His love. Small acts of generosity and compassion reflect His heart.
Hopeful Expectation: Embrace the tension of waiting with hope, trusting that God’s promises will be fulfilled.
This active waiting helps us grow spiritually and prepares us to receive Jesus more fully.
Practical Ways to Celebrate Advent
Many families and churches use traditions that help mark the season. Here are some practical ideas to bring Advent into your daily life:
Advent Wreath: Light a candle each week, symbolizing hope, peace, joy, and love.
Scripture Reading: Follow a daily Advent devotional or Bible reading plan focused on the coming of Christ.
Journaling: Write down prayers, reflections, or hopes during the season.
Service Projects: Volunteer or give to those in need as a way to live out the spirit of Advent.
Music and Worship: Listen to or sing Advent hymns that prepare your heart for Christmas.
These practices help keep the focus on spiritual preparation rather than just holiday activities.
Creative Advent Prayer Activities
Prayer during Advent can be simple, reflective, and deeply meaningful. Sometimes praying with our hands — through symbolic actions — helps us slow down and meet Jesus more tangibly.
This is why 24-7 Prayer created a set of creative Advent Prayer Activities designed to help believers pause, reflect, and seek God during the season. These include planting a seed while praying for wisdom, unlocking a padlock as a symbol of surrender, reflecting on God’s promises, and meditating on the names of Jesus.
About 24-7 Prayer
24-7 Prayer is an international Christian movement dedicated to helping believers encounter God through prayer, mission, and justice. Founded in 1999 during a student-led prayer vigil in England, the movement has grown into a global network of prayer rooms, intercession, and discipleship.
Their Advent Prayer Activities were created to help believers pause, reflect, and draw nearer to Jesus through simple, hands-on expressions of faith. To explore more of their resources and learn about their global prayer movement, you can visit their website: https://www.24-7prayer.com
You can download the full creative Advent Prayer Activities here:https://www.24-7prayer.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/24-7-Advent-Prayer-Room-Pack-2025.pdf
YouVersion Bible Plans for Advent
YouVersion offers many Christ-centered Advent reading plans designed to deepen reflection and strengthen daily Scripture habits during this season.
Explore all Advent plans here:https://www.youversion.com
Daily Bible reading anchors the believer in God’s promises and aligns the heart with the hope of Christ.
Isaiah 40:3 The voice of one who calls out, “Prepare the way of Yahweh in the wilderness. Make a level highway in the desert for our God.”
Here are two Advent plans you can begin today:
Illuminate Adventhttp://bible.com/r/4TT
BibleProject | Adventhttp://bible.com/r/3Rn
Last Thoughts — Advent: Preparing Our Hearts for the Coming of Jesus
Advent is more than a tradition. It is a reminder that the story of Jesus shapes every part of the Christian life. As we reflect on His first coming in humility and anticipate His return in glory, Advent calls us to slow down, seek God intentionally, and return to the simplicity of a heart fully devoted to Him.
This season invites believers to remember that God keeps His promises, that His Word never fails, and that His light shines even in the darkest moments. It encourages us to prepare room for Christ not only in December but in every day of our lives. Through Scripture, prayer, and reflection, Advent becomes a posture of the heart — one that looks to Jesus with expectation, gratitude, and hope.
It is important to remember that Advent is not a biblical requirement and no Christian is obligated to follow any specific celebration. Under the New Covenant, Jesus calls us to abide in Him daily, to walk in His teachings, and to glorify Him as Lord and Savior in every season of life. Yet in the midst of our busy schedules and the noise of everyday responsibilities, moments like Advent can help us slow down intentionally and give Christ the time and focus our hearts often lack. Such seasons do not replace daily devotion — they strengthen it, creating space to realign our lives with Him.
John 15:4 Remain in me, and I in you. As the branch can’t bear fruit by itself, unless it remains in the vine, so neither can you unless you remain in me.
May this season lead you deeper into God’s presence, strengthen your faith, and remind you that the One who came as a child in Bethlehem is the same Lord who walks with you today and who will one day return in glory.
Continue Your Journey of Healing
If this message encouraged you, I invite you to explore these themes:
Free Ministry Edition Book links & Christian Resources are available here:
Free Support — Book your Free Session here: Services | Hope with Elisabeth
Join our Faith & Purpose LifeGroup — Anchored in God’s Word
every Tuesday at 7:30 p.m. ET, hosted through Life Church
Details & RSVP: Join the Faith & Purpose LifeGroup on Life.Church
If you feel compelled, please give from the heart to support our Ministry. Your offering helps us continue providing Free Christian Resources, Bible-based Support, and more:
Part of a Growing Series for Seniors: In the Light of Jesus: Short Stories and Prayers to Bring Peace & Hope to Seniors — a gentle, faith-filled collection created especially for seniors, offering comforting stories, simple prayers, and the calming presence of Jesus for those living with memory loss, dementia, or tender seasons of life.
Available on Amazon: https://mybook.to/IntheLightofJesus
From Pain to Purpose: Rediscovering Life in God’s Word — a Bible-based resource that contrasts secular psychology and philosophy with the unchanging truth of Scripture.
Available on Amazon:https://mybook.to/FromPainToPurpose
Guided by God: Healing the Past, Building the Future through Bible-Based Counseling & Coaching, Journaling Prompts & Exercises — a faith-centered tool designed to support your Christian coaching journey through reflection and spiritual growth.
Available on Amazon:https://mybook.to/GuidedbyGod
Comments