During Advent we eagerly await Jesus's birth and second coming. For four weeks many churches' Scripture readings are focused on prophecies, visions of the end times, and Bible passages that point to the Messiah's arrival and return. The Messiah will save and redeem Israel—and us—from political oppression and spiritual darkness. Advent marks the beginning of the church calendar. We begin the year with hopeful expectation.

Hope throughout the ages

Advent brings together the hope God's people have carried throughout the ages: the Old Testament prophecies pointing to a Messiah, the New Testament anticipation of Jesus's birth, and the church's present waiting for Christ's final coming. As we re-experience Advent every year, the themes start overlapping. Israel's longing becomes our longing. Israel's hope for a Savior is our hope too. We have found the Messiah in Jesus, but we also await his final coming.

Prophecies

Many of the Old Testament prophecies are taken from messianic writings in Isaiah (chapters 6 through 12). Isaiah's prophecies speak of a child being born: "A young woman who is pregnant will have a son and will name him 'Immanuel'" (7:14). This child will be King David's successor and will rule Israel with justice (9:6-7). He will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace, and his reign will never end (9:6-7). Isaiah also speaks of a king who will rise up among David's descendants, inaugurating a peaceful kingdom (Isaiah 11:1-9). This king will be a symbol to the nations, gathering all the exiles back to Israel (11:10).

Prophecies in Scripture can be interpreted in multiple ways. At times, they seem to speak to specific current events. They can also point to something that will happen far in the future.

The prophecies in Isaiah seem to speak to Israel in Isaiah's own time. A ruler will come to power to defend Israel, continuing God's covenant with David (2 Samuel 7:8-16). Based on the historical context, this would point to King Ahaz having a son. Israel's royal line was in danger of dying out without a male heir, but Ahaz's son secures the dynasty's future.

At the same time these writings point beyond the immediate context. The New Testament writings are full of references back to the prophecies Jesus fulfills. Isaiah references a "young woman" having an heir to secure the dynasty. Jesus is born of a virgin, in the line of David. He inaugurates a kingdom of peace and justice, and this kingdom has no end. He gathers the lost, inviting all people into life in God. Through Jesus's life, death, and resurrection, we have the hope of salvation.

New Testament

During Advent two birth narratives unfold, following similar trajectories (Luke 1). Both stories begin with an annunciation from the Angel Gabriel, spoken against great odds. Mary is a young virgin and Elizabeth is past childbearing age. Both annunciations result in joyful songs; the babies being carried in the women's wombs will fulfill the hope Israel has carried throughout the ages. Mary's cousin Elizabeth will give birth to John the Baptist. Mary will give birth to Jesus, the Messiah.

Many passages in the New Testament focus on John the Baptist. He is considered the last prophet of the old covenant, the forerunner of Christ. His words echo Isaiah's: prepare a way for the Lord, get the road ready! (Isaiah 40:3; Mark 1:2-3). John leads people in confessing their sins and being baptized, preparing them to receive new life in Christ. During Advent, we also prepare to receive life in Christ afresh.

Church Traditions

During Advent, many traditions focus on the juxtaposition of light and darkness. Each Sunday, a candle is lit representing hope, peace, love, and joy. The candles are placed in an evergreen wreath in the church's sanctuary. In the center is a large white candle, lit on Christmas to represent Jesus's birth. Each week we focus on the light gradually coming into the darkness (John 1:1-9).

Advent comes to a close with Jesus's arrival on Christmas day, but this is only the beginning. We have walked through the days of preparation and repentance; waiting and expectation. Now Jesus is reborn in our hearts. We have received anew the light of Christ, leading us into the rest of the year.