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Advent

Pocket Dictionary of Liturgy & Worship (Advent)

The calendrical period in the Western Church incorporating the four Sundays preceding Christmas Day, anticipating the coming (Lat. adventus) of Jesus Christ. The season dates from the fifth or sixth century. Historically it is a period characterized by an attitude of repentance (though now downplayed) and anticipation, with preaching focused on the prophetic utterances of Scripture concerning both the first and second comings of Jesus Christ. The third Sunday of Advent introduces rejoicing Phil 4:4). From the Latin word adventus, “coming”; it can be used to describe either Christ’s first or second coming. The season preceding Christmas.

Jewish people have been celebrating Advent since the first prophecy about the coming of the savior. The anticipation of Jesus.

Advent

the word advent itself implies waiting, anticipation and looking forward to something that you are sure it's coming. Advent in Latin means "Coming." Looking ahead to the coming of the Messiah.

Now, Jesus already came, why do we celebrate Advent then?Well, Jesus when He ascended into heaven, He promised us something, He is coming back. The birth of Jesus is not the end but the beginning of an eternal Kingdom.

During Advent, we focus on 4 themes in waiting for the Messiah.

Hope

Hebrew word Tikvah (to wait for). The patriarchs waited for the promises in scriptures to be fulfilled. Abraham believed God's promise of salvation (gen 15:6).

Abraham received a promise from the Lord, believed in it, and He was justified.