Advent: Who celebrates and why?

Who celebrates Advent

Advent is derived from the Latin word Adventus and means arrival. The purpose is to acknowledge that Jesus was born and is coming again. In 2025, this season begins on Sunday, November 30, and lasts until Wednesday, December 24. Christians celebrate this holiday tradition, but different denominations and fellowships observe it in various ways.

Roman Catholics

One of the largest religious groups to participate is the Roman Catholics, who incorporate Advent candles, special prayers, wreaths, and weekly Mass readings.

Protestant Denominations

Lutherans, Presbyterians, Methodists, Anglicans/Episcopalians, and the reformed church observe Advent. Christians in these denominations light special Advent candles, sing specific hymns, and have scripture readings.

Eastern Orthodox Tradition

Churchgoers who are Eastern Orthodox participate in a similar season that is preparation for Christmas. It lasts 40 days and is called the Nativity Fast.

Non-Denominational Christians

Many churches place Advent wreaths on their doors and offer weekly teachings, although this is not a formal tradition in their denomination.

Branches of Christianity that don't observe Advent

Traditionally, most Baptist denominations don't officially celebrate Advent, although some do. Some pastors may teach on the subject, and churches may hang wreaths.

Pentecostal, Holliness, and Word of Faith fellowships as a whole do not acknowledge Advent specifically.

Jehovah’s Witnesses do not celebrate Christmas or anything related to the December 25 holiday.

If you are interested in incorporating Advent into your holiday festivities, you can do so at your house of worship or at home. Following is a breakdown of what you can choose.

The Four Advent Candles Mean

Most Advent wreaths have four candles. Sometimes there is a fifth in the center for Christmas Day.

Week 1 — The purple Prophecy Candle for hope.

This symbolizes hope, and reflections are on Old Testament scriptures that tell of the expectation of the coming Messiah.

Week 2 — The purple Bethlehem Candle represents faith.

The focus is on Mary adn Joseph's pilgrimage to Bethlehem.

Week 3 — The pink Shepherd’s Candle for joy.

The focus is on the joy the shepherds felt after the angels annunciation and when they found the baby Jesus.

Week 4 — The purple Angel’s Candle for peace.

The focus is on the angels’ message: “Peace on earth, goodwill toward men.”

You can also use an Advent candle log.

The Christmas Wreath

Christmas Day- The white Christ Candle for purity.

This potional candle is placed in the center of the wreath and lit on Christmas Eve or on December 25 and celebrates Jesus as the light of the world.

How did Advent begin?

The tradition began in the 4th–5th century with early Christians preparing for the celebration of Jesus' birth. By the Middle Ages, churches had solidified the season as a spiritual time of expectation, reflection, and hope. The Advent wreath tradition comes from Lutheran Christians in the 1500s, later adopted widely by Catholics and other Protestant denominations.

How to Celebrate Advent at Home

1. Light the Advent Candle Each Sunday

Say a short prayer or read a Scripture passage.

Many people light the candle at dinner time.

2. Daily Scripture Readings

Some popular scriptures include:

Isaiah 9:2, 6–7

Luke 1:26–38

Luke 2:1–20

John 1:1–14

3. Advent Devotionals

Many families use small books or online devotionals for daily thoughts and prayers.

4. Acts of Kindness

Advent isn’t only spiritual preparation for Christ's return. It’s also a time of: Serving, giving, encouraging others, and a time of prayer and reflection. This is a time to give thanks that Christ came and He is coming again.

Joy to the World

A song I recommend is Joy to the World, which was not written as a holiday song, but we sing it at Christmas. This song is about the Second Coming of Christ.

To those who say Jesus was not born during Winter, you are correct. However, acknowledging His birth and the expectation that He will return is worth celebrating for Advent, Christmas, or any time of the year.