Dear COA Family,
As we enter into the season of Advent, it is important for us to note that Advent is
separate from and comes before Christmas. It contains within itself its own significance.
What is Advent?
Advent is the season of anticipation and preparation for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.
The word “Advent” comes from the Latin adventus, meaning “coming” or “arrival.” During this
season, we look back to Christ’s first coming as a baby in Bethlehem and look forward to
His promised return as King.
Advent begins four Sundays before Christmas and ends on Christmas Eve. The Advent
wreath, which symbolises the journey toward Christmas, holds four candles – three purple
and one pink – with a white candle in the centre. Each candle represents a theme: hope,
peace, joy and love, with the fifth candle, the Christ candle, symbolising Jesus as the light
of the world.
Why Advent matters?
Advent matters because living in a world that demands our time and captivates our
attention can drain us of our spiritual vitality. it reminds us that God’s kingdom purposes
are central in our lives and this world is not our home. We are to live as pilgrims here on
earth.
Advent teaches us to pause from the busyness of life, to remember God’s promises, and
to renew our faith in His coming kingdom. The discipline of fasting is also practised in this
season. The colour purple highlights the beautiful tension of Advent – it is both a season
of repentance and of hope. It reminds us that Christ came once in humility as a baby and
will come again in glory as king. We are to live in simple trust in God daily here on earth yet
look forward to the hope of our salvation and glory with Christ in the coming kingdom.
How can we observe Advent?
We can create space for quiet reflection by setting aside a few moments each day to
pray, read Scripture, or journal. Passages like Isaiah 9 and 55–58, Luke 1–2, John 1 or
Revelation 20–22 help us meditate on the significance of His coming.
In our homes, we can light a candle each Sunday evening of the four Sundays of Advent
to signify hope, peace, joy, and love. Pray too for these virtues to deepen in our lives as we
do so.
Advent is also outward-looking in nature. We can find small ways to share Christ’s love
– visit someone lonely, donate to a cause, or offer encouragement. Acts of mercy
prepare our hearts as much as prayer does.
As a church, journey intentionally through the pulpit ministry in the themes of waiting,
preparation and hope. Sermons and hymns help capture the longing and hope that
define the season.
In essence, Advent is a season of preparation, not celebration. It points us to Christmas,
but also makes our hearts ready. We can observe Advent best when we make room for
Christ’s lordship in our hearts, as well as live in the hope of His coming kingdom.
God bless,
Revd Ian