For many centuries, Christians have used the season of Advent to prepare their hearts for Christmas. The word “advent” comes from the Latin word adventus and simply means “coming” or “arrival.” Advent begins each year on the fourth Sunday before Christmas, which this year is December 1. It is a season in which Christians remember the First Advent of Jesus’ birth and also anticipate the Second Advent of Christ’s return.
We tend to think of Advent as a preliminary celebration of Christmas, but it is traditionally a period devoted to self-examination, prayer, and spiritual reflection. It is a time to ask, How ready am I for the coming of Christ? It is a season in which we have permission to acknowledge that there is darkness and hardship—in the world and in our lives—but also that we are not without hope. During Advent, we practice looking for the light of Christ even while we wait in darkness. While we wait, we prepare our hearts. The King is coming, and we want to be ready!
Once a week for the next four weeks, we’ll send you a Bible study featuring Scripture passages traditionally read by Christians around the world during each week of Advent. The readings include passages from the Old Testament prophets and psalms as well as the New Testament gospels and epistles. The studies are designed to help you prepare your heart for Christmas by deepening your understanding of God’s plan for salvation, beginning with the Old Testament prophets who foretold the Messiah’s birth.
Each study includes links that take you to a host of Scripture passages and resources on Bible Gateway. You’ll discover side-by-side translations, commentary notes, and other features to help you grow in your understanding of God’s Word. And there are questions for personal reflection to help you connect the truths of Scripture to your own life and relationship with Christ.
We hope you’ll join us as we take this Advent journey through Scripture, and look forward to celebrating the joy of Christmas, Christ with us.