What is Advent?
The weeks before Christmas can be a blur of shopping and schedules. Advent is an invitation to slow down and remember what we are actually waiting for.
Advent, from the Latin for “coming,” is the season of the four Sundays before Christmas. It looks back to Jesus’ first coming as a baby in Bethlehem and forward to His promised return. In 2026, Advent begins on Sunday, November 29. Each week traditionally focuses on hope, peace, joy and love, often marked by lighting a candle on an Advent wreath.
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Simeon waited his whole life
Simeon was an old man in Jerusalem who had been promised by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he saw the Messiah. He waited, year after year. Then one day a young couple brought their baby into the temple, and Simeon took Him in his arms and praised God: “My eyes have seen Your salvation” (Luke 2:25–32). Advent is learning to wait like Simeon: expectant, faithful and sure that God keeps His promises.
The four weeks
Week 1, Hope: the promise of a Savior (Isaiah 9:2). Week 2, Peace: the Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6). Week 3, Joy: good news of great joy (Luke 2:10). Week 4, Love: God so loved the world (John 3:16). On Christmas Eve or Day, a center candle celebrates Christ Himself.
Simple ways to celebrate
Light a candle each Sunday and read that week’s verse. Read one chapter of Luke each day through December; Luke has 24 chapters, which ends on Christmas Eve. Give something away each week. Pray for someone who is hurting this season.
What the Bible says
- 01
Hope: a great light.
“The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death, a light has dawned.”
Isaiah 9:2 - 02
Peace: the Prince of Peace.
“For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given, and the government will be upon His shoulders. And He will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”
Isaiah 9:6 - 03
Joy: good news.
“But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid! For behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people: Today in the city of David a Savior has been born to you. He is Christ the Lord!”
Luke 2:10–11 - 04
Love: God so loved.
“For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that everyone who believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.”
John 3:16 - 05
Waiting like Simeon.
“Now there was a man in Jerusalem named Simeon, who was righteous and devout. He was waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. The Holy Spirit had revealed to him that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord’s Christ. Led by the Spirit, he went into the temple courts. And when the parents brought in the child Jesus to do for Him what was customary under the Law, Simeon took Him in his arms and blessed God, saying: “Sovereign Lord, as You have promised, You now dismiss Your servant in peace. For my eyes have seen Your salvation, which You have prepared in the sight of all people, a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and for glory to Your people Israel.””
Luke 2:25–32 - 06
Come, Lord Jesus.
“He who testifies to these things says, “Yes, I am coming soon.” Amen. Come, Lord Jesus!”
Revelation 22:20
Scripture from the Berean Standard Bible.
Mark Sunday, November 29 on your calendar. Plan to read Luke 1 that day and light a candle with your family or friends.
Common questions
When does Advent start in 2026?
Sunday, November 29, 2026, the fourth Sunday before Christmas.
What do the Advent candles mean?
Usually hope, peace, joy and love, with a center Christ candle lit at Christmas. Colors vary by tradition; the meaning matters more than the color.
Is Advent in the Bible?
The word isn’t, but the season’s focus is: waiting for the promised Savior, celebrating His birth and looking forward to His return.
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