Advent: Contemplating the Messiah’s arrival
Leon SteenkampThe Advent season is a time of hopeful anticipation, reflection and love. It marks the beginning of the Christian calendar; a four-week journey leading up to Christmas during which we prepare our hearts and homes to celebrate the coming of Christ.
For centuries, believers around the world have observed Advent, not only by lighting candles and singing hymns, but also by turning to Scripture for daily reading and meditation, while allowing God’s Word to centre their lives afresh with his promise of salvation.
In our fast-paced world, the Advent season invites us to pause and reflect. It reminds us that before the joy of Christmas morning, there was the long wait – generations of God’s people who held fast to the promise of a coming Messiah.
The meaning of Advent
The word “Advent” comes from the Latin word adventus, meaning “coming” or “arrival.” It points to both the first coming of Jesus – his birth in Bethlehem – and the future coming of Christ, when he will return as King.
During these four weeks, the Church traditionally reflects on four central themes: hope, peace, joy and love. Each week builds on the message of the last, guiding us closer to the heart of God’s redemptive story.
By intentionally spending time in Scripture during Advent, we realign our hearts by shifting our focus away from the chaos of the season to the true source of joy – Jesus Christ, God’s living Word.
Week 1: The candle of hope
Advent begins with hope – a hope that anchors our faith, even in times of uncertainty.
| Scripture readings: Isaiah 9:2-7; Romans 15:12-13; Luke 1:26-38 |
Isaiah’s prophecy reminds us that “the people walking in darkness have seen a great light.” In the Gospel of Luke, we encounter Mary’s faith-filled “yes” to God’s plan, another reminder that hope is born through trust and obedience.
As you read these passages, take a moment to reflect on where you are placing your hope this season.
You can read and reflect on these verses daily using BibleSA – our free, easy-to-use online Bible-reading platform. On BibleSA, you can explore Scripture in multiple South African languages and Bible translations.
Week 2: The candle of peace
The second candle represents peace. Not the absence of conflict, but the deep, abiding peace that can only be found in Christ.
| Scripture readings: Isaiah 11:1-10; John 14:27; Philippians 4:6-7 |
This peace comes when we rest in God’s promises and entrust our worries to him. It is a peace that surpasses all human understanding when we guard our hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
During this week, take time to pray for peace in your family, community, our nation and the world. Use BibleSA’s daily reading plans to stay consistent and centred on God’s Word as you seek his peace.
Week 3: The candle of joy
The third week of Advent is marked by joy. Often, the candle is pink, which symbolises rejoicing.
| Scripture readings: Luke 2:8-14; Psalm 16:8-11; Philippians 4:4-5 |
The angel’s proclamation – “I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people” – still rings true today. True joy is not dependent on our circumstances, but on the unchanging reality of God’s love.
If you find this season heavy or lonely, let the Word of God restore your joy. The BibleSA platforms offer devotionals and reading guides that can help you reflect on the joy that Christ brings, even amid life’s difficulties.
Week 4: The candle of love
As Christmas draws near, we light the candle of love.
| Scripture readings: John 3:16-17; 1 John 4:9-11;, Matthew 1:18-25 |
Advent love is not sentimental; it is sacrificial. It is the love of a God who steps into human history, born in a manger, to redeem his people.
During this week, focus on God’s love demonstrated through the sacrifice of Christ and consider how you can mirror that love to others. Spend time reading one of the Gospels and allow the story of Jesus’ birth to fill your heart with gratitude and compassion.
Christmas Day: The Light of Christ
Finally, on Christmas Day, we celebrate the fulfilment of all God’s promises, the arrival of the true Light of the world, Jesus Christ.
| Scripture readings: Luke 2:1-20; John 1:1-14; Titus 3:4-7 |
The wait is over; Emmanuel – God with us – has come.
As you read these Scriptures, take time to thank God for his faithfulness. The story of Christmas is not just historical, but it tells a tale of everlasting hope: the same Jesus who came as a baby will one day return in glory.
How to deepen your Advent journey
If you would like to stay consistent and spiritually focused this Advent, visit www.biblesa.co.za for a variety of free tools to guide your reading and reflection:
- Daily Bible reading plans – explore themes like Hope, Joy, and God’s Promises
- Multiple translations – read in your heart language
- Verse of the day – start each morning with inspiration and reflection
- Bookmarking and notes – document what God is revealing to you throughout Advent
Whether you’re new to daily Scripture reading or a long-time Bible reader, BibleSA is designed to make the Bible accessible – anytime, anywhere.
A closing reflection
Advent is more than a countdown to Christmas, it is a sacred invitation to draw near to God. May your heart be renewed by the living Word as you journey through these weeks of hope, peace, joy and love. Let this be a season of deeper devotion and anticipation. And as you open your Bible – whether in print or online – may you encounter Christ anew, the One who still comes to bring light into our world.
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