Themes of Advent
Advent is right around the corner. But what are the themes of Advent? The overarching theme of Advent derives from John the Baptist’s words: “Prepare the Way of the Lord!”
What Does Advent Mean?
Advent starts with an apocalyptic theme on the first Sunday. You might be wondering what the Second Coming of Christ has to do with preparation for the First Coming. The idea is that to prepare for the Second Coming, we go back to the Old Testament, to the Prophets, and to John the Baptist, to understand what it was like to wait for the Messiah the first time around, to prepare for him, to trust that he would eventually come. We begin to understand the patience, the faith, and the perseverance of our spiritual fathers and mothers as they waited for the Messiah reflecting on that time. We are waiting for him also, although he is present to us through the Holy Spirit.
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John the Baptist looms large during Advent, especially on the second and third Sundays. You could say he is a living theme for Advent. This theme is summed up well in the Collect for the Second Sunday of Advent:
Blessed Lord, who caused all Holy Scriptures to be written for our learning: Grant us so to hear them, read, mark, learn, and inwardly digest them, that by patience and the comfort of your holy Word we may embrace and ever hold fast the blessed hope of everlasting life, which you have given us in our Savior Jesus Christ; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
Anglican Church in North America, Book of Common Prayer, 2019, pg. 598. “Advent 2”
Jesus called John the greatest of the prophets. He was the culmination of the prophetic ministry of Israel, and he was the prophet who was able to point to Jesus saying,
Behold the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.
John 1.29
St John: Harbinger for Jesus & Messiah
In John, we see all of Israel’s longing for the Messiah. We see a prophet who points to the fulfillment of all of the sacrificial system. We see a man who transitions us from the old covenant to the new. He moves aside for Jesus the Messiah to fill the horizon.
The Transition into Christmas
And then, on the final Sunday of Advent, we are ready to transition to Christmas. We read of the annunciation to Mary on the very cusp of the Incarnation. All that we read from the prophets and heard from John the Baptist reveals. Mary sings a song, used in worship ever since. This “Song of Mary” or “Magnificat” beautifully sums up the joy and mystery of God made flesh through the womb of a humble woman.
Some parishes have Advent Lessons and Carols sometime during this final week before Christmas. This includes scriptural patterns that take us from the creation and fall through Abraham and David and into Isaiah and the prophets. We journey back through our history by singing Advent carols as well as hymns. In all this, prepare for Christmas and the unique wonder and beauty of the Christian message: God has made his home with us.
For more on Christmas, check out “Christmas and the Holidays” And “The Twelve Days of Christmas.”
Editor’s Note: If you’d like to do the Daily Office (Morning and Evening Prayer) this Advent, check out the Rookie Anglican Daily Office Booklet.
Photo by Michael Payne on Unsplash
The History of the Advent Collects
The four Advent collects offer both a concise introduction to the season and a rich overview of the grace God offers to sinners.
Celebrate Advent and Christmas with ACNA Holiday Events
Anglican Compass is excited to showcase a variety of holiday-themed events hosted by churches across the Anglican Church in North America.
