Parenting Points
As December approaches, Christians worldwide embark on a special journey of faith known as Advent. This season, lasting four weeks and leading up to Christmas, is a time of reflection, anticipation, and preparation for the birth of Jesus Christ. Advent offers a beautiful opportunity for families to draw nearer to God and one another as they prepare their hearts for the arrival of Christ.
The Meaning of Advent. The word “Advent” is derived from the Latin word “adventus,” which means “coming” or “arrival.” During Advent, Christians reflect on the coming of Jesus into the world, both in His historical birth in Bethlehem and in His future return. It’s a season of hope, love, joy, and peace.
Focuses of Advent. A word represents each week of Advent, and a corresponding candle of the Advent wreath is lit to remember the focus in worship services throughout the season. The central white candle of the Advent wreath is lit on Christmas Day.
Week 1: Hope. The first word of Advent is hope and reminds us of the anticipation of the Old Testament prophets for the Messiah’s coming.
Week 2: Love. The second word of Advent is love and reminds us of the story of Mary and Joseph’s journey to Bethlehem.
Week 3: Joy. The third word of Advent is joy pointing to the joy the shepherds experienced at the birth of Jesus.
Week 4: Peace. The fourth word of Advent is peace reminding us of the angels’ proclamation of peace on earth.
Celebrating Advent with Your Family. Advent encourages families to come together in prayer, reflection, and anticipation. It’s a time to share stories, read scripture, and discuss the significance of Christ’s birth. You may want to look at the stories mentioned above for each week of Advent as a family. By focusing on hope, love, joy, and peace, Advent reminds us that the true meaning of Christmas lies not in the hustle and bustle of the season but in the humble arrival of the Savior. In celebrating Advent, families are not only preparing their homes for the birth of Christ but also their hearts. It’s a time of spiritual growth, nurturing faith, and fostering togetherness. As we journey through these weeks of anticipation, may we find the hope, love, joy, and peace that Christ’s coming brings and share these blessings as we long for Jesus’ second Advent.
-Dr. Ben Birdsong
Missions Minister at Christ Church Birmingham
Writer and Speaker
