ad·vent
/ˈadˌvent/
noun
the arrival of a notable person, thing, or event.
the arrival of a notable person, thing, or event.
For most of us, the weeks leading up to Christmas are full of pressure to do everything, be everywhere, and make sure we post it all to Instagram. Our tendency post-Thanksgiving isn’t to slow down, but to speed up. We’ve got lists to shop for, baking to get done, parties to go to... and by the time we arrive at Christmas Day we're out of breath.
Advent is meant to be a time when we intentionally slow down. In many ways, Advent is a rebellion against the consumerism and commercialism that drive Christmas in our culture.
Advent has a long history in the church. Go all the way back to the 4th and 5th century, and you’ll find Christians keeping this month of waiting; this intentional season focused on the coming of Jesus. Advent means “arrival." Through meditating on the Scriptures, lighting candles, and singing carols, we remind each other what Jesus' arrival in this world means. Through Advent we not only remember Jesus' coming in the past, we also anticipate the Advent of his future return, as well as his very real "arrival" in our lives today.
Check out our Advent resources below as you reflect on this special season.
Advent is meant to be a time when we intentionally slow down. In many ways, Advent is a rebellion against the consumerism and commercialism that drive Christmas in our culture.
Advent has a long history in the church. Go all the way back to the 4th and 5th century, and you’ll find Christians keeping this month of waiting; this intentional season focused on the coming of Jesus. Advent means “arrival." Through meditating on the Scriptures, lighting candles, and singing carols, we remind each other what Jesus' arrival in this world means. Through Advent we not only remember Jesus' coming in the past, we also anticipate the Advent of his future return, as well as his very real "arrival" in our lives today.
Check out our Advent resources below as you reflect on this special season.
Sermon Series
What Child Is This?
Join us for our Advent series, What Child is This? as we spend four weeks in the first chapter of Hebrews answering the question posed by that famous Christmas carol.
12.01 | Jesus, God's Final Word
12.08 | Jesus, the Radiance of God
12.15 | Jesus, the Beloved Son of God
12.22 | Jesus, God’s Anointed King
12.01 | Jesus, God's Final Word
12.08 | Jesus, the Radiance of God
12.15 | Jesus, the Beloved Son of God
12.22 | Jesus, God’s Anointed King
Online Resources
"Once upon a time, there was a season in the church year known as “Advent.” The word comes to us from the Latin for “coming.” The purpose of the season was to anticipate the coming of Christ to earth; it was a season that focused on waiting....." Read More
Download this Advent devotional for kids, taken from Kevin DeYoung's Biggest Story Bible. Each day of December has a Bible passage to read, a short gospel connection, a coloring page, and a link to an online video.
The Bible Project
Throughout the Church's history, Advent has been remembered in many ways. One of the prominent ways to celebrate Advent has been through tracing four key themes of Jesus' arrival: Love, Peace, Hope, and Joy. These four themes make up our Advent sermon series this year. Check out the Bible Project videos below to explore these themes biblically.
On the Bookshelf
You can pick up a copy of Sinclair Ferguson's book, Love Came Down at Christmas, on the Summit bookshelf. Prepare room for the arrival of Jesus through daily readings leading up to Christmas.
Love Came Down At Christmas
Sinclair Ferguson
Sinclair Ferguson
On Spotify
Check out Summit's "Advent Songs" playlist on Spotify.
