Introduction to Advent: A Season of Waiting, Reflection, and Liberation
Advent, from the Latin word adventus, meaning “coming” or “arrival,” is a season of anticipation. It marks the beginning of the Christian liturgical year and invites us into a four-week preparation journey for Christ's birth. Rooted in themes of hope, peace, joy, and love, Advent is often compared to Lent—a time of deep reflection, fasting, and waiting for Easter’s promise of resurrection. But unlike Lent, which many Black and BIPOC Christians are familiar with, Advent is often less recognized in these communities.
A Brief History of Advent
The tradition of Advent dates back to the early centuries of Christianity. Originally, it was observed as a time of penitence and fasting, much like the season of Lent. Early Christians saw Advent as a period of deep spiritual reflection and preparation for the celebration of Christmas. The emphasis wasn’t just on Jesus' birth but also on the anticipation of his second coming, reminding believers to keep their faith strong in every season of waiting.
Over time, Advent evolved to include more joyful and hopeful practices, reflecting both the anticipation of Christ’s birth and the future promise of God’s kingdom. Today, it’s celebrated with a combination of reflection, prayer, and rituals that are both solemn and celebratory.
Why Advent May Not Feel Familiar
For many Black and BIPOC Christians, the lack of familiarity with Advent can be attributed to the traditions inherited from predominantly white, Eurocentric liturgical practices. Historically, Advent was not emphasized in churches where enslaved and marginalized people gathered, as their worship centered around survival, liberation, and God’s immediate presence in their struggles. However, today, there is a growing movement to reclaim and reimagine Advent as a season that speaks to liberation, hope, and rest for the weary.
Please read Advent and the Black Context for more information on this topic.
The Connection Between Advent, Lent, and Easter
Advent and Lent are both seasons of preparation—Advent for the birth of Christ and Lent for His resurrection. Both seasons invite us into rhythms of waiting, pausing, and reflecting. However, while Lent is marked by solemnity, Advent holds a sense of joy and anticipation. It reminds us that the light is coming, even when the days are dark. You can read more about that in the post Advent and the African American Context.
For those who navigate systemic injustices and personal struggles, Advent can become a time of deep reflection and a reminder that God is present in the waiting. Just as Lent prepares us for the joy of Easter, Advent prepares us for the joy of Christ’s birth, which signals hope, peace, and liberation.
Celebrating Advent Across Cultures
Advent is celebrated in diverse ways across races, cultures and traditions, each offering unique expressions of faith and joy. In some European countries, for example, Advent wreaths and candles are central symbols, with a candle lit each week to mark the four Sundays of Advent. In Latin American countries, Las Posadas reenacts Mary and Joseph’s search for shelter. In parts of Africa, communities infuse Advent with vibrant songs and dances that reflect the hope and joy of Christ’s coming. Black churches often hold special services during this time, blending Advent traditions with gospel music and calls for justice.
These cultural expressions remind us that Advent is not a one-size-fits-all tradition. It is an invitation to reflect on God’s coming in ways that resonate with our lived experiences and cultural identities.
Acknowledging the Tension
As we enter into this sacred season of Advent, we do so carrying the weight of our current realities. For many Black and BIPOC communities, this season doesn’t come with a simple, easy sense of joy and peace. Instead, it brings a complex intersection of hope and heartbreak, anticipation and lament, as we continue to witness and respond to systems of oppression and injustice.
Advent is a time to sit with that tension, to honor the waiting and the longing for God’s justice and peace. It reminds us that, just as God came near in the person of Jesus, God is near to us in our struggles. We resist the temptation of spiritual bypass—ignoring the pain for the sake of empty spiritual platitudes—and instead choose to engage Advent as a season where hope and lament coexist.
Themes of Rest, Personal Care, and Liberation
Advent is not just about waiting—it’s about how we wait. In a world that glorifies busyness, Advent invites us to pause, breathe, and rest in God’s promises. For BIPOC communities and those facing systemic oppression, rest is an act of resistance. It is a reclaiming of the time and space to be still, to reflect, and to heal.
Self-care during Advent can include spiritual practices like journaling, prayer, and meditation. It can also include communal practices—lighting candles, singing songs, or simply gathering with loved ones to share stories of hope and resilience.
A Journey Through Advent: An Invitation to Pause and Reflect
This blog series will guide us through the four weeks of Advent, each week focusing on a theme: Hope, Peace, Joy, Love, and how rest intertwines with each.
Together, we will explore:
Hope: What does it mean to hope in uncertain times?
Peace: How do we cultivate inner peace amidst external chaos?
Joy: Where can we find joy, especially in challenging seasons?
Love: How does God’s love empower us to love ourselves and others?
Each post will include:
A Scripture Study for Reflection.
A Journal Prompt to guide personal exploration.
A Contemplative Art Prompt to inspire creativity.
A Guided Prayer to center your heart.
Hymns or songs, including African American spirituals, that speak to the week's theme.
Advent as a Time of Resistance and Liberation
Advent is not just about preparing for a holiday—it’s about preparing our hearts and spirits for the radical message of Christ’s birth. Jesus came to bring liberation to the oppressed, healing to the brokenhearted, and rest to the weary. As we journey through Advent, we hold space for this message to take root in our lives, particularly in this current political climate where BIPOC and vulnerable communities continue to fight for justice and equity.
Rest is a revolutionary act, especially for those who have been denied it. This Advent, we embrace rest as part of our spiritual practice, trusting that God meets us in our stillness.
An Invitation to Journey Together
I invite you to join me in this month-long journey through Advent. Let’s pause, reflect, and prepare our hearts together. Whether you are new to Advent or have celebrated it for years, there is space here for you. Let this season be a time of rest, renewal, and radical hope as we prepare for the birth of Christ—the Light of the World.
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