When Jesus was born, the heavens broke wide open and an army of angels sang:

•  
  and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!
Glory to God in the highest,

In announcing Jesus’ birth, the angels said they were bringing “good news of a great joy that will be for all the people.” Since the fourth century, the church has used the season of Advent as a time to celebrate that “good news of great joy.”

What Is Advent?

The celebration of Advent (which means “coming” or “arrival”) helps us focus our attention on Jesus Christ’s birth and ministry as well as his promised return. It starts the fourth Sunday before Christmas and ends on Christmas Eve. Celebrating Advent helps us cut through all the distractions of the Christmas season and focus our attention on Jesus Christ’s birth and ministry as well as his promised return. Since we can’t anticipate the day or the hour of Christ’s return, we are filled with both a sense of joyful expectation and humble reverence, with our spiritual focus being on lives of prayer and preparation. Throughout the season we are constantly reminded that Jesus Christ is the promised Messiah and Savior of the World.

Why Recognize Advent?

The Scriptures don’t require us to do anything different during the Advent season. Recognizing Advent as individuals, families, or as a church doesn’t make you better or more spiritual than a church that doesn’t recognize Advent. That said, there are some real advantages for a church to recognize and celebrate the Advent season. In the next few posts we will explore reasons to recognize Advent and offer some ways to celebrate it. To be continued. By Elliot Grudem and Bruce Benedict.