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| ***Modern Advent Candle Holder... see below |
There is a distinct kind of quiet magic that settles into the soul during the darkest weeks of the year. Long before the commercial rush of the holidays takes over, the traditional Christian calendar invites us into Advent—a season of patient waiting, deep longing, and joyful preparation.
For many of us who grew up in traditional or liturgical settings, Advent carries a sensory memory: the scent of evergreen and beeswax, the slow progression of purple and pink candlelight cutting through winter shadows, and, above all, the music. I still fondly remember my girlhood days in a convent school, where every single morning began with an ad hoc mass choir spontaneously lifting our voices in harmony to sing "O Come, O Come, Emmanuel." That haunting, ancient melody captured the ache and hope of the season better than any sermon ever could.
What is Advent and What Does It Mean?
The word Advent comes from the Latin word adventus, meaning "coming" or "arrival".
Advent looks in two directions at once:
Backward, commemorating the humble, long-awaited birth of Jesus Christ in Bethlehem.
Forward, looking with eager expectation to Christ’s promised Second Coming and the ultimate renewal of all creation.
It is designed to be a counter-cultural season. While the secular world rushes headlong into holiday parties and shopping frenzies, Advent asks us to slow down, sit in the dark for a moment, and acknowledge our deep need for light, peace, and redemption.
A Brief History: When Was It Introduced?
While the precise origins are somewhat shrouded in the mists of early church history, the earliest concrete records of a formal Advent season date back to the 4th and 6th centuries.
The Early Roots: In places like Gaul (modern-day France) and Spain during the 400s, Christians practiced a period of prayer, fasting, and preparation leading up to Epiphany (January 6), when new converts were baptized.
This period was sometimes called "St. Martin’s Lent," running for about 40 days starting in mid-November. The Roman Shaping: By the 6th century, the Church in Rome shortened and refocused the season around the double "coming" of Christ, eventually solidifying it into the four-week period leading up to Christmas Day that we recognize today.
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How is Advent Practiced? 10 Family Traditions
Observing Advent at home is a wonderful way to anchor your household in peace and intentionality. Here are 10 different ways you can practice Advent as a family:
Light an Advent Wreath: Gather around a wreath with four outer candles (traditionally three purple for hope, peace, and love, and one pink/rose for joy) and a central Christ candle, lighting a new one each week.
Use a Daily Devotional: Read a short daily scripture passage or reflection together over breakfast or dinner to trace the lineage and prophecies of Christ.
Set Up a Jesse Tree: Decorate a small branch or tree with handmade ornaments that tell the story of salvation history, from creation down to the birth of Jesus.
The Reverse Advent Calendar: Instead of taking a treat out of a calendar each day, place a non-perishable food item or a warm clothing item into a box daily, then donate it to a local shelter or food bank before Christmas.
Sing Advent Hymns Together: Bring back the rich theological depth of historic music by learning or singing hymns like O Come, O Come, Emmanuel, Lo, How a Rose E'er Blooming, or Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus.
Incorporate Silent Reflection: Spend five minutes in total silence around the dinner table or living room after blowing out the Advent candles, reflecting on the quietness of a waiting world.
Practice Intentional Acts of Kindness: Draw names secretly within the family and perform anonymous acts of service or encouragement for one another throughout the week.
Light a Christmas Eve Christingle: If you attend a service—or do it at home—use an orange decorated with a red ribbon, dried fruits, and a candle to symbolize Christ as the light of the world.
Keep the Manger Empty: Place a wooden or plush manger in a prominent spot, but leave the figure of baby Jesus out until Christmas morning, moving wise men or animals closer to it step-by-step each week.
Host a Simple Advent Feast: Celebrate Gaudete (Joy) Sunday on the third week of Advent with a special meal, lighting the pink candle and leaning into fellowship and laughter as a counter-weight to winter gloom.
Do Adventist Christians Observe Advent?
A common point of curiosity is whether Seventh-day Adventists observe the liturgical season of Advent.
The short answer is no, the Seventh-day Adventist Church does not officially observe the traditional, liturgical Advent season.
However, individual Adventists deeply cherish the themes of Advent—namely, the literal, visible Second Coming of Christ (which is baked right into their denomination's name!). Many modern Adventist families and writers (see 3 Adventist writers below) have begun embracing elements like family devotionals, acts of charity, and reflections on hope, peace, joy, and love during December, even if they skip the traditional liturgical calendar, purple candles, and formal church-wide Advent liturgy.
Adventist writers who embrace elements of the Advent:
1. Nathan Brown
Who he is: A prominent Australian Adventist author, theologian, and former book editor at Signs Publishing.
What he has written: He authored Advent: Hearing the Good News in the Story of Jesus' Birth, a 31-day December devotional.
Focus on Advent: Brown explores the narrative of Christ's birth by connecting the historical first advent 2,000 years ago with the anticipation of the second advent.
His writing encourages believers to pause during the holiday season to focus on God's character, the reality of the incarnation, and the enduring hope found in prophecy.
2. Joyce Newmyer
Who she is: An Adventist essayist and commentator who has written on contemporary faith and church culture for platforms like Spectrum Magazine.
What she has written: She penned the opinion piece/essay “Why Adventists Should Celebrate Advent”.
Focus on Advent: Newmyer reflects on how modern Adventist families can navigate historical hesitations around liturgical traditions. He advocates for embracing the four traditional weekly themes of Advent—hope, peace, joy, and love—arguing that focusing on these elements helps ground families in a frantic world and deepens their appreciation for Christ's promises.
3. Ellen G. White
Who she is: One of the foundational co-founders and most prolific writers of the Seventh-day Adventist Church.
What she has written: While 19th-century Adventists did not practice a liturgical church calendar, White wrote extensively on the meaning of Christ's incarnation and how believers should observe the Christmas and holiday season (such as in her compiled writings on Mind, Character, and Personality and various articles in [The Signs of the Times](cite: 1.2.2) and [The Review and Herald](cite: 2.2.4)).
Focus on Advent: White heavily emphasized turning focus away from commercialism and directing it entirely toward Jesus as the ultimate, priceless gift from heaven.
Her writings encourage believers to cultivate gratitude, practice charity toward the poor during the winter season, and elevate the redemptive purpose of Christ's first coming while eagerly watching for His second. ***Modern Advent Candle Holder is made in Freiburg, Germany and can be purchased here. Please note that shipping is very reasonable for this item.
Do you have any special childhood memories of Advent traditions or music that still stick with you today? I'd love to hear about them in the comments below!
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