My husband and I have mostly given up Christmas. Because of the increase in materialism, not because we’ve become Scrooges. Finding true meaningful spirituality amidst the commercial trappings became increasingly difficult. So for several years we did little during the holidays.
Then I began to look at Advent. And I found what I call the missing piece of Christmas. Because Advent highlights the eschatological aspects of the gospel. “But what does that mean?” you may ask.
Well, eschatology, simply put, is the part of theology that deals with the end times or the last things. We could think of it as a complicated way of expressing our belief that more (and the best) is yet to come. So Advent, by incorporating this perspective, both enriches and completes Christmas.
Advent is a threeold celebration
Advent means coming or arrival. But it’s much more than just a celebration, Advent emphasizes the threefold aspect of Christ’s coming:
- His first coming when He came into the world in Bethlehem as Israel’s promised Messiah.
- His present coming into hearts and lives today as Lord and Savior.
- His promised return when He comes in glorious power as King of kings and Lord of lords.
Because the story does not end with Christmas!
And so Advent creates a season of giving thanks for Christ’s first coming as the Savior of the world, while also joyfully anticipating His second coming. And it reminds us to consecrate our hearts as the Lord’s present dwelling place.
Did you think Advent was just a calendar with doors to open? A countdown to Christmas with yet another focus on receiving gifts? I did, and so I never gave it much thought. Until I discovered its rich meaning.
I love the rich meaning of Christmas: Emmanuel, or God with us. But the Christmas holiday with all its modern trappings, left me feeling incomplete and dissatisfied.
Because the story doesn’t end with Christmas!
The story of Christmas is just the beginning. More (and the best) is yet to come! And the season of Advent focuses on that. On the one thing we most long for – Christ’s imminent return.
Stress and pressure are often a part of today’s busy Christmas season. But Advent, by focusing on four candlelight devotionals, encourages us to slow down and focus on what Christmas really means.
On each of the four Sundays before Christmas, candles are lit on the Advent wreath. Begin with one candle and add one each week until all four are lit on the last Sunday before Christmas. The center candle is then lit on Christmas Day. Each candle, along with selected hymns, reflective prayers, and Scripture readings, focuses on the rich truths of the hope, faith, joy, and peace we have in Christ.
Advent can infuse your Christmas with new spiritual vitality, anticipation, hope, and joy. Enrich your Christmas celebration this year with the beauty of Advent!
Merry Christmas, Happy Advent, and Marantha to you all – from Italy!
Check out these great Advent ideas and devotions:
- Lifeway Christian Resources, with suggestions for family craft activities
- Discipleship Ministries
- Mercy Home
“It is only in the shadow of Advent that the miracle of Christmas can be fully understood and appreciated… the promise for Israel and the promise for the church is Jesus Christ; he has come and he will come again.”
Justin Holcolm, What is Advent?
📷 Image credits: candle; nativity; wreath; bible scenes by www.LUMO Project
Signora Sheila 
18 responses to “Advent: the Missing Piece of Christmas”
Buon Natala Signora. Merry CHRISTmas Ms. Sheila. God’s blessings dear friend.
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Hope you had a Buon Natale too, JD. And that the rest of the holiday season will be rich in blessings to you and yours, my friend!
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I appreciate that the lighting of the Advent wreath highlights anticipation–not for Christmas Day so much, but for Christ’s 2nd coming. I’m thinking our excitement at the celebration of the Marriage Feast of the Lamb will be many times elevated above our excitement for the celebration of Christmas!
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You’re probably right, Nancy. Which means that our excitement will be immense! I love Christmas. But being with Jesus. It leaves me speechless!!
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Again, a rereading of a significant post lends itself to reminding me of Jesus and the bigger picture of His whole life. Not just Him in a manger, but Him in our lives. Thanks, Sheila!
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Thank you, dear friend! The bigger picture. I like that – after all Jesus IS the bigger picture!!
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Well said.
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Thank you, Kelly. I’m so glad to have discovered Advent. It really has brought new depth and understanding to Christmas for me. He has come, is with us, and will soon return! That’s worth celebrating!
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Sheila, Thank you for this beautiful reflection upon Advent and Christmas. In the month of December, I focus upon the prophecies and the birth of Jesus and all the surrounding stories, but long ago, I stopped my focus on the candles and Advent as a tradition. I plan to relook at Advent from your perspective next time. Thank you for enlightening us all. May Christmas abound in many blessings to you and your family. Merry Christmas! Karen
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Thanks Karen. I love your idea of focusing on the prophecies and birth of Christmas too. That would make a wonderful Advent focus. One could do readings on the prophecies of Christ’s birth, on his actual birth, and on his second coming. And with or without the candles, I love the fact that Advent can help us reclaim an eternal Kingdom mentality. Christ is coming soon! I hope you have a wonderful holiday! God bless and take care.
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Merry Christmas Sheila!
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Thank you!
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Wow! You’ve nailed this one, my dear. The beauty and serenity and quiet of Advent is the polar opposite of the loud and busy of Christmas. And I love the part about the calendar with boxes or door and little treats–it’s what we’ve reduced Christmas to be. Thanks for this beautifully insightful reminder of what really needs to be our focus. And again, Merry Christmas from the Sunshine State!
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I find that the more times passes, the more I seem to long for quiet and serenity. Perhaps it’s aging. But I think it’s more that these things are not prevalent in today’s society. I’d hate to turn Christmas into nothing more than a mad rush to get everything done, while missing what God may have for me in this period. What is he saying? Who does he want me to reach out? Or even just finding time to thank and worship him! Buon Natale from Italy, Dayle!
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Yes, there is a great deal of meaning in Advent as we reflect on Christ’s coming. As you said so well, Advent comes in past, present and future tense. Jesus came, is coming, and will come.
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Thanks David. What a marvelous truth! And what an encouragement as we walk this difficult world! Merry Christmas!
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Hi Sheila, When we returned from Italy we went to a Lutheran church for a few years. I absolutely loved the lighting of the Advent candles in church. The pastor would light one candle, then two, then three, four and also the middle one (the Christ candle), and each time he would remind us of what each candle represented. It was a lovely celebration!
Anita
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That’s awesome, Anita! We’ve never actually gotten to attend an Advent service, but I’m sure it would be beautiful! I think what appeals to me about it is that there seems to be a quieter, more reflective spirit to it. Something that often seems to lacking in our lives these days. Do you guys celebrate Advent at home?
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