Advent in the Bible

Advent, from the Latin word for 'coming,' is the season in which the church remembers the arrival of Jesus Christ and looks forward in hope to His return. Though the word 'Advent' is not a biblical term itself, the reality it celebrates fills the pages of Scripture: God keeping His ancient promise to send a Savior, the Word becoming flesh, and heaven breaking into history in the form of a child. The prophets spoke of His coming centuries in advance. Isaiah 9:6 announced, 'For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.' Isaiah 7:14 gave the sign of the virgin birth: 'Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.' Micah 5:2 even named the place: 'But you, O Bethlehem Ephrathah, who are too little to be among the clans of Judah, from you shall come forth for me one who is to be ruler in Israel.' The New Testament records the fulfillment with wonder. Matthew 1:23 declares that the virgin birth fulfilled Isaiah's prophecy, naming the child 'Immanuel (which means, God with us).' Luke 2:11 sounds the angelic announcement to the shepherds: 'For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.' At the heart of Advent stands the staggering mystery of the incarnation. John 1:14 testifies, 'And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.' Advent is therefore a season of expectant joy, remembering that the God who came in humility once will come again in glory, and inviting every heart to prepare Him room.