In the Bible, Advent refers to the coming or arrival of Jesus Christ both His first coming at His birth and His promised second coming at the end of time.
The word “Advent” comes from the Latin adventus, meaning “coming” or “arrival,” and in biblical theology it centers on hope, ожидание (waiting), and fulfillment of God’s promises.
Every December, you hear the word Advent everywhere church sermons, calendars, candles, devotionals, and Christmas conversations. But pause for a moment and ask the deeper question: what does Advent mean in the Bible?
Is Advent actually mentioned in Scripture? Is it just a church tradition? Or does it point to something much bigger something that shapes how Christians understand hope, waiting, and the coming of Christ?
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the biblical meaning of Advent, its origins, how it’s used in Scripture and Christian life, and why it still matters today. Whether you’re new to the Bible or revisiting familiar traditions, this article will give you clarity, depth, and practical insight.
Why Advent Matters in the Bible
Advent is not just a countdown to Christmas. Biblically, it is about anticipation—living in the tension between what God has already done and what He has promised to do.
Advent invites believers to:
- Remember Christ’s birth
- Reflect on God’s promises
- Wait with hope and faith
- Prepare their hearts spiritually
In that sense, Advent is deeply biblical—even if the word itself doesn’t appear in most English translations.
📖 Is the Word “Advent” in the Bible?
Here’s an important clarification:
- The English word “Advent” does not appear in most Bible translations.
- However, the concept of Advent appears everywhere.
The Bible repeatedly speaks about:
- The coming of the Messiah
- The arrival of God’s kingdom
- The future return of Christ
These themes are the heart of Advent theology.
🧠 Origin of the Word “Advent”
Linguistic Roots
The word Advent comes from:
- Latin: adventus → “coming” or “arrival”
- Greek equivalent: parousia → often used in the New Testament for Christ’s coming
In the Roman world, adventus was used to describe:
- The arrival of a king or emperor
- A significant, world-changing event
Early Christians adopted this term to describe Jesus’ arrival into the world.
🕯️ Advent in Early Christianity
How Advent Became a Season
Advent developed as a liturgical season in the early church around the 4th and 5th centuries.
Originally, it focused on:
- Preparation for baptism
- Reflection and repentance
- Anticipation of Christ’s return
Over time, Advent became closely associated with Christmas, while still holding a strong future-focused meaning.
✝️ The Two Meanings of Advent in the Bible
One of the most important things to understand is that Advent has a dual meaning.
1. The First Advent: Christ’s Birth
This refers to:
- Jesus’ birth in Bethlehem
- The fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy
- God entering human history
📖 Key verses:
- Isaiah 9:6
- Micah 5:2
- Luke 2:10–11
Jesus’ first Advent brought:
- Salvation
- Light
- Peace
- Hope
2. The Second Advent: Christ’s Return
The Bible also speaks clearly about Jesus coming again.
📖 Key verses:
- Matthew 24:30
- Acts 1:11
- Revelation 22:12
This second Advent will bring:
- Final judgment
- Restoration of creation
- Fulfillment of God’s kingdom
Advent, therefore, is both celebration and expectation.
📜 Old Testament Foundations of Advent
Even before Jesus was born, the Bible was already pointing toward Advent.
Messianic Prophecies
| Prophecy | Scripture | Fulfillment |
| Born of a virgin | Isaiah 7:14 | Matthew 1:22–23 |
| Born in Bethlehem | Micah 5:2 | Luke 2:4–7 |
| Light to nations | Isaiah 42:6 | Luke 2:32 |
| Suffering servant | Isaiah 53 | Jesus’ crucifixion |
The Old Testament is essentially a long season of Advent—waiting for the Messiah.
🌍 Popularity and Modern Usage of “Advent”
Where You’ll See the Word Today
- Church calendars
- Advent wreaths 🕯️
- Devotionals and sermons
- Christmas traditions
- Religious education
Outside religious settings, “advent” can also mean:
- The beginning of something new
- “The advent of technology”
- “The advent of modern medicine”
- “The advent of technology”
But the biblical meaning remains centered on Christ’s coming.
🗣️ Examples of “Advent” in Context
Friendly / Reflective Tone
“Advent reminds us to slow down and remember why Jesus came 💜”
Neutral / Educational Tone
“In the Bible, Advent refers to the coming of Christ.”
Negative or Dismissive Tone
“Advent is just another church tradition without real meaning.”
Tone matters—because Advent is deeply spiritual for many believers.
🆚 Advent Compared With Related Biblical Terms
Advent vs. Christmas
| Advent | Christmas |
| Season of waiting | Celebration day |
| Preparation | Fulfillment |
| Focus on hope | Focus on birth |
Advent leads into Christmas.
Advent vs. Parousia
- Advent: Latin-based term, broader theological use
- Parousia: Greek term used in the New Testament, often referring to Christ’s return
Both point to the same reality: Jesus coming.
Advent vs. Epiphany
| Advent | Epiphany |
| Anticipation | Revelation |
| Waiting | Manifestation |
| Before Christmas | After Christmas |
🌀 Alternate Meanings of “Advent”
Outside the Bible, “advent” can mean:
- Arrival of an era
- Beginning of a movement
- Introduction of something new
Example:
“The advent of the internet changed communication forever.”
This meaning still reflects the core idea of arrival.
🧑💼 Polite or Professional Alternatives to “Advent”
In academic or interfaith contexts, alternatives may include:
- The coming of Christ
- Messianic arrival
- Incarnation (for first Advent)
- Second coming (for second Advent)
Each emphasizes clarity depending on audience.
🕯️ Symbolism of Advent (Candles & Themes)
Many Christian traditions associate Advent with four themes:
| Week | Theme | Meaning |
| Week 1 | Hope | God’s promises |
| Week 2 | Peace | Reconciliation |
| Week 3 | Joy | Salvation |
| Week 4 | Love | God with us |
These themes reflect biblical truths rather than mere tradition.
Practical Ways to Live Out Advent Biblically
- Practice intentional waiting
- Reflect on Scripture daily
- Focus on gratitude instead of rush
- Prepare spiritually, not just socially
- Remember both past and future promises
Advent invites believers to slow down in a fast world.
FAQs
1. What does Advent mean in the Bible?
It means the coming of Jesus Christ both His birth and His future return.
2. Is Advent mentioned directly in Scripture?
The word isn’t, but the concept appears throughout the Bible.
3. What are the two Advents of Christ?
His first coming at birth and His second coming at the end of time.
4. Why do Christians celebrate Advent?
To prepare spiritually and remember God’s promises.
5. Is Advent only about Christmas?
No. It also points to Christ’s future return.
6. What Bible verses talk about Advent?
Isaiah 9:6, Luke 2:11, Matthew 24:30, Revelation 22:12.
7. How long is the Advent season?
Traditionally four weeks before Christmas.
8. Can Advent be meaningful outside church traditions?
Yes. Its core message is biblical hope and expectation.
Conclusion
It means God coming to meet humanity first as a child in Bethlehem, and one day again in glory. Advent is about hope fulfilled and hope still awaited. It reminds believers that God keeps His promises, even when waiting feels long.
In a world that rushes toward instant results, Advent teaches patience, trust and joyful expectation.
Tom Holland is a language enthusiast at ValneTix.com passionate about unraveling the meanings behind words and phrases. His clear, insightful and engaging explanations help readers expand their vocabulary and communicate with confidence.
