Advent: Week 1

The Meaning of Advent: Anticipation, Repentance, and Renewal
Advent is a sacred season in the Christian calendar that marks a time of waiting, preparation, and anticipation for the coming of Jesus Christ. Contrary to the modern commercialization of this season as a countdown to Christmas, Advent is deeply rooted in an attitude of repentance, reflection, and hope. As author and Pastor Timothy Paul Jones writes, it is “the proclamation of the sufficiency of Christ through the discipline of waiting.” It invites believers to pause amidst the busyness of life, prepare their hearts, and anticipate the fulfillment of God’s promises—both in the birth of Christ and His return in glory.
 
Today’s message explores the meaning of Advent through the lens of repentance. It examines its biblical foundation in John 1:1–18, its historical context, and the call for practical observance. It emphasizes the importance of this season for spiritual renewal and offers three practical responses for observing Advent this year.
 
John 1:1 – 18
 
The Biblical Foundation of Advent: John 1:1–18
The Gospel of John provides a framework for understanding the significance of Advent. John 1:1–18 vividly describes God’s coming to earth in the flesh in Jesus Christ and his mission, ultimately declaring Him the eternal Word of God, the Creator of all things, and the source of life and light.
 
The Word Became Flesh
John begins with the assertion that “In the beginning the Word already existed. The Word was with God, and the Word was God.” (John 1:1). This passage establishes the preexistence and divinity of Christ. Jesus is not merely a historical figure or a moral teacher but the eternal God who took on human flesh. This incarnation, described in verse 14 as “the Word became flesh and dwelt among us,” is the climax of the Advent story. It demonstrates God’s humility and His desire to dwell with His creation, ultimately showing the way to the Kingdom of God.
 
Jesus as Light and Life
In verses 4–5, John proclaims Jesus as the source of life and the light that dispels darkness. This imagery is central to Advent, as it speaks to the spiritual renewal and repentance necessary for believers. The light of Christ exposes sin, brings hope, and offers a pathway to reconciliation with God. Yet, as verse 11 notes, “He came to his own people, and even they rejected him.”  The rejection of Christ highlights humanity’s need for repentance—a turning away from darkness and toward the light.
 
Advent and the Call to Repentance
The historical roots of Advent are closely tied to repentance. The early Church observed Advent as a 40-day period of fasting and reflection, similar to Lent. This tradition emphasized preparation for Christ's second coming and spiritual renewal. Repentance is a key theme of this season, reminding believers that before celebrating the joy of Christ’s birth, they must confront the brokenness of their own hearts and the world around them.
 
Fleming Rutledge, in her book Advent: The Once and Future Coming of Jesus Christ, captures this duality of joy and repentance:
“Advent is the season that, when properly understood, does not flinch from the darkness that stalks us in this world. Advent begins in the dark and moves toward the light.”
This acknowledgment of personal and global darkness compels believers to prepare their hearts for the transformative light of Christ.
 
Historical Context: Advent as Anticipation and Humility
The term “Advent” derives from the Latin Adventus, meaning “arrival” or “coming. " It is a translation of the Greek word parousia, often used in the New Testament to refer to Christ’s second coming. While modern Advent frequently focuses on the nativity, its origins lie in anticipating Christ's return as the sovereign King.
 
The Humility of Christ
The humility of Christ’s first coming is one of the cornerstones of Advent. Luke 1:32 foretells, “He will be very great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his ancestor David.” We see Jesus as the Son of the Most High, who will inherit the throne of David and reign forever. Yet, His arrival was marked by humility: born in a manger, living as a servant, and dying a sacrificial death. This irony of humility and sovereignty invites believers to reflect on their own posture before God. Just as Christ humbled Himself, Advent calls Christians to repentance and renewal, preparing their hearts to receive their King.
 
Tish Harrison Warren, in Advent: The Season of Waiting, Hope, and Anticipation, writes:
“Advent is not about having a sentimental season, but about being unsettled, undone, and remade by the coming of Christ. It is a time to sit in the ache of waiting, to wrestle with longing, and to prepare for the unexpected ways God arrives among us.”
Advent's “unsettling” nature challenges believers to confront their need for repentance and prepare for Christ’s transformative presence in their lives.
 
Observing Advent Through Repentance and Renewal
Advent is not merely a theological concept but a lived practice. Observing this season involves intentional actions that align hearts with the themes of waiting, repentance, and anticipation. Here are three practices to consider:
 
1. Embrace Silence and Reflection
Advent is a time to slow down and create space for God. Silence and solitude allow one to examine one’s heart, confess sin, and seek God’s forgiveness. This practice aligns with the spirit of repentance that characterized early Advent observances. Setting aside time each day to meditate on Scripture, particularly passages like John 1:1–18, can deepen one’s understanding of Christ’s light and life.
 
2. Engage in Acts of Humility and Service
Christ’s humility is one central theme of Advent. Believers can honor this by serving others, particularly those in need. Acts of kindness, generosity, and reconciliation reflect the character of Christ and prepare hearts for His coming. These acts also serve as a reminder that the Kingdom of God is marked by servanthood and love.
 
3. Anticipate Through Prayer and Worship
Prayer and worship are vital practices during Advent. These disciplines help believers focus on Christ’s first coming and anticipate His return. Incorporating prayers, lighting Advent candles, or participating in communal worship can create a rhythm of expectation and celebration. Praying for the courage to repent and for the light of Christ to shine in personal and global darkness aligns with the season’s themes.
 
Conclusion: Advent as a Journey Toward Light
Advent is a season of tension—between darkness and light, humility and sovereignty, waiting and fulfillment. It calls believers to a journey of repentance and renewal, preparing their hearts to receive the light of Christ. John 1:1–18 offers a rich theological foundation for this season, revealing Jesus as the eternal Word, the source of life, and the true light that overcomes darkness.
 
Today, we are reminded that Advent does not shy away from the world's brokenness but boldly moves toward the hope of Christ’s coming. Similarly, we are challenged to sit in the ache of waiting, allowing God to remake us in His image.
 
Through practices of silence, service, and worship, believers can observe Advent with intentionality and hope. This season is not merely a countdown to Christmas but an opportunity to align our hearts with the story of God’s redemptive love—a story that begins in a humble manger and culminates in the glorious return of the King. Let us, therefore, enter this season with hearts prepared, voices lifted in anticipation, and lives transformed by the Advent of Jesus Christ.

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