See also “Guide for Celebrating Advent as a Family.”
The Season
The Church Year begins with the season of Advent (from the Latin adventus, which means “coming”). Advent always begins four Sundays before Christmas Day. The Church delays and deepens its celebration of Christmas by joining ancient Israel with the cry of “Maranatha! Come, Lord Jesus!” While reading the Old Testament Messianic prophecies, reflecting on the darkness of sin, and lighting candles in hopeful anticipation of the coming Light, the Church simultaneously looks forward to the Messiah’s second advent.
- “What is Advent?” — 3 minute video introduction to the season
- “A Visual Guide to Advent, Christmas, & Epiphany” — printable PDF
- “Understanding Advent and the Liturgical Calendar” — podcast discussion
- “Q&A on Advent and the Christian Year” — article with resources
Color and Decorations
Most traditions mark Advent with purple, the color of royalty, to signify the coming of the Davidic King. Some churches use blue instead (see the article “Blue or Purple: An Advent Debate“). The use of a pink or rose-colored candle in most Advent candlesticks marks a transition towards joy as Christmas draws nearer.
Purple overlay for communion table:
- Purple Trinity Cross Overlay Cloth
- Purple Trinity Cross Overlay Cloth — alternate design
Purple scarf/overlay for pulpit and bookmark for lectern Bible:
Purple banners to hang on walls:
Purple vestments for more liturgical churches:
Purple tie for less liturgical churches:
- Grosgrain Solid Azalea Tie
- Herringbone Vow Dusty Rose Tie (for third Sunday)
At our church, the Christmas trees, wreaths, and garland are also decorated with purple and gold during Advent. When Christmas begins (at the Christmas Eve service), the gold ornaments are left on, but the purple decorations are removed and replaced with white ones. It does not take us long to simply change the purple ornaments, and it results in a beautiful and dramatic change of seasons. It’s one of my favorite moments of the year as the dark purple gives way to brilliant white and gold, and helps to set the tone as the services shift from solemn to celebratory.
Purple ornaments for Christmas trees:
Lighting of the Candles
Candles are lit on each Sunday of Advent, followed by the lighting of the Christ candle on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day. The candlestick may be placed near the pulpit.
- First Sunday of Advent: Light only the first purple candle.
- Second Sunday: Light the first and the second purple candle.
- Third Sunday: Add the pink/rose candle.
- Fourth Sunday: Add the final purple candle.
- Christmas Eve: Light all the candles, concluding with the white Christ candle.
Advent candlestick:
- Gothic Advent Candlestick – Medium Oak (other options available in catalog)
- Note: With some candlestick models, the brass sockets are sold separately. Make sure you have sockets and the correctly sized candles.
Purple and Rose Candles:
White Christ Candle:
Candle Followers (optional):*
- 1 1/2″ candle followers (set of 4)
- 3″ candle follower — for Christ candle
*Candle followers prevent wax from dripping down the candles and helps to ensure a more even burn.
Collects and Scripture Readings
- Collects and Readings for Advent — prayers and Scripture readings for every Sunday in Advent
Music
- Spotify playlist: “An Advent Playlist from Holy Joys.”
- Advent Hymns, Songs, and Metrical Psalms
- Check your church’s hymnal for sections on “Advent” and the “Second Coming”
Preaching
- Preach from one of the texts in the Lectionary, OT prophecies about Christ, or passages about Christ’s second coming.
- Preaching should build a sense of anticipation in the church. Focus on the reasons why we need Christ to come and the hope that Christ is coming.
- Preaching should prepare people’s hearts for Christ’s coming. Lean into themes of repentance and holiness.
Example sermons on the Year A Lectionary readings:
- Stay Awake! (Matthew 24:36–44)
- What Does Advent Have to Do With Hell? (Matthew 3:1–12)
- When a Prophet Doubts (Matthew 11:2–11)
Example topical series:
- “Waiting for a Prophet (Deuteronomy 18:9–22).”
- “Waiting for a Priest (Genesis 14:17–20).”
- “Waiting for a King (Isaiah 9:1–7).”
Historical sermons:
- Augustine, Advent Homilies (Davenant Press, 2024), edited by S. Mark Hamilton and Rhys Laverty, foreword by Fred Sanders.
- John Newton, Advent Homilies (Davenant Press, 2025), edited by S. Mark Hamilton and Rhys Laverty, foreword by Kyle Strobel.
Creeds, Confessions, Catechisms
- Whole Counsel of God — Question 29 on Advent and Question 35 on the Second Coming
- Apostles’ Creed — “From there he will come to judge the living and the dead.”
- Nicene Creed — “He shall come again, with glory, to judge the living and the dead; whose kingdom shall have no end.”
- 25 Articles of Religion, 4 — “until he return to judge all men at the last day.”
Slides
Slides (16:9) for each Sunday of Advent can be downloaded below:
An additional slide for 16:9 or 4:3 screens can be downloaded below:
Equipping Families
- Resources list. Print and pass out the article “Guide to Celebrating Advent as a Family,” and/or share the link on your church’s website and social media page(s).
- Books. Put a bookcase, book rack, or book display stands with Advent books (see the article above) in the vestibule. Consider purchasing a devotional book for everyone.
