Advent is the season of the four Sundays before Christmas, when Christians remember the long wait for the Messiah, celebrate Jesus’ first coming in Bethlehem, and look forward to his return. The word itself isn’t in the Bible; it comes from the Latin adventus, meaning coming or arrival. “When the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son” (Galatians 4:4, ESV). In 2026, Advent begins Sunday, November 29.
Key Takeaways
Advent covers the four Sundays before Christmas, when Christians remember Israel’s long wait for the Messiah, celebrate Jesus’ birth and look forward to his return. The word means arrival. In 2026, Advent begins Sunday, November 29, and Galatians 4:4 frames the season as God’s perfect timing.
- Advent comes from the Latin adventus, meaning arrival.
- The season looks back to Bethlehem and ahead to Christ’s return.
- Wreath candles often mark hope, peace, joy and love.
- Advent began in the early church as preparation for Christmas.
Advent 2026 Dates
| Sunday | Date | Common theme |
|---|---|---|
| First Sunday of Advent | November 29, 2026 | Hope |
| Second Sunday of Advent | December 6, 2026 | Peace |
| Third Sunday of Advent | December 13, 2026 | Joy |
| Fourth Sunday of Advent | December 20, 2026 | Love |
| Christmas Eve | Thursday, December 24 | |
| Christmas Day | Friday, December 25 | Christ |
Two Comings
Looking back. For centuries, God’s people waited. God promised a Savior from the beginning (Genesis 3:15), through Abraham (Genesis 12:3), and through David’s line (2 Samuel 7:12-13). The prophets spoke of a child named Immanuel (Isaiah 7:14), a ruler from Bethlehem (Micah 5:2), and a son called Wonderful Counselor and Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6). Then, at just the right time, God sent his Son, born of a woman (Galatians 4:4).
Looking forward. Advent is also about waiting for Jesus to come again. Christ, sacrificed once to carry many people’s sins, will return a second time to save those eagerly waiting for him (Hebrews 9:28). The Bible’s last prayer is an Advent prayer, asking the Lord Jesus to come (Revelation 22:20).
Where Did Advent Come From?
Advent developed in the church over several centuries. By the sixth century, many Western churches kept a season of preparation before Christmas. Today it’s observed in Catholic, Orthodox, Anglican, Lutheran, Methodist, Presbyterian, and many evangelical churches, though some don’t observe it. Christians have freedom here (Romans 14:5-6).
The Advent Wreath and Candles
Many churches and families use an Advent wreath: an evergreen circle (a picture of eternal life) with four candles and often a white Christ candle in the center.
- Week 1, Hope: God keeps his promises (Isaiah 9:2).
- Week 2, Peace: Jesus is the Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6; Luke 2:14).
- Week 3, Joy: the angel’s joyful good news for all people (Luke 2:10). Often a pink candle.
- Week 4, Love: God’s love for the world in sending his Son (John 3:16).
- Christmas, Christ candle: the world’s light has come (John 8:12).
Traditions vary; some churches name the candles for the prophets, Bethlehem, the shepherds, and the angels.
How to Observe Advent
- Read daily. Try our Advent Bible Reading Plan, or follow our daily Advent devotionals.
- Light a candle each Sunday with family or friends.
- Wait well. Make room for quiet amid the holiday rush.
- Give generously, remembering God’s gift of his Son.
- Pray Come, Lord Jesus. Let Advent stir longing for his return.
The Gospel Focus
Advent reminds us why Jesus came: to redeem people living under the law, and to make us God’s adopted children (Galatians 4:5). The baby in the manger is the Savior who would die for our sins and rise again. Advent hope isn’t wishful thinking; it rests on a God who has already kept his biggest promise.
Related Bible studies
- Christmas Story Bible Study: A Christmas story Bible study through Matthew 1, Luke 2, and John 1: the genealogy, the shepherds, and the Word made flesh.
- What Is Lent? Meaning, Dates and Bible Basis (2027): What Lent is: the 40-day season before Easter for repentance, prayer and fasting, and how to keep it simply.
- Advent Bible Reading Plan 2026: A free Advent Bible reading plan for 2026: daily ESV readings from Nov 29 to Dec 25, following the Advent themes of hope, peace, joy, and love.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Advent mean?
Advent means coming or arrival, from the Latin adventus. It’s the season before Christmas when Christians remember the waiting for the Messiah, celebrate Jesus’ birth, and anticipate his return. At just the right time, God sent his Son (Galatians 4:4).
When does Advent start in 2026?
Advent 2026 starts on Sunday, November 29, the fourth Sunday before Christmas, and continues to Christmas Eve, December 24. The four Sundays are November 29 and December 6, 13, and 20, 2026.
Is Advent in the Bible?
The season isn’t named in the Bible; it developed in church history. But its focus is thoroughly biblical: the prophets’ promises of the Messiah (Isaiah 7:14; Micah 5:2), their fulfillment in Jesus’ birth (Luke 2), and the promise that he is coming soon (Revelation 22:20).
What do the four Advent candles mean?
They’re commonly called hope, peace, joy, and love, lit one each Sunday. The third (joy) is often pink. A central white Christ candle is lit at Christmas, celebrating Jesus as the world’s light (John 8:12). Some traditions use other names, but all point to Christ.
What is the difference between Advent and Christmas?
Advent is the season of waiting and preparation before Christmas; Christmas celebrates Jesus’ birth itself, traditionally for twelve days from December 25. Advent looks forward with longing; Christmas rejoices that a Savior has been born in the town of David (Luke 2:11).
A Prayer for Advent
Lord God, thank you that in the fullness of time you sent your Son. As I wait this Advent, fill me with hope, peace, joy, and love. Prepare my heart to welcome Jesus, and stir in me a longing for his return. Come, Lord Jesus. Amen.
Scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), © 2001 by Crossway. Used by permission. All rights reserved.