Every year Christians around the world use Advent studies to prepare themselves spiritually for Christmas. But...

What is an Advent Study?

An Advent Study is a bible study guide that is structured along the 23 or 24 day period of Advent. Advent Studies offer a way of spiritual preparation through reading, thinking and praying about what the Birth of Jesus means. They are also known as Advent Guides or Advent Devotionals.

Often, Advent Studies will follow the themes found in traditional themes of the Four Sundays: looking forward to the second coming of Christ, preparing the way of Christ, the joy of the coming Saviour, and the birth of Jesus. Other themes you can expect to find explored in an Advent Study include peace, hope, joy, love, and prayer.

But why is Advent so important? The clue is in the name. Advent means ‘coming’ in Latin, and the many traditions of Advent all reflect the practice of preparation. For Christians, it is important that we celebrate Christmas in a way that honours the birth of Jesus and the message of salvation. From the symbolic colours of Advent Candles to Advent Calendars which countdown the days until Christmas, every Advent tradition helps Christians prepare themselves.

An Advent Study helps you prepare spiritually for Christmas. They offer readings and reflections on the bible, prayers to focus your heart and thoughts, and discussion points to think about alone or talk about in a group.

Just as no two snowflakes are the same, so too are Advent Studies. Some are structured with small groups in mind, featuring discussions and open questions that are accessible and clear. Others are a little quieter, focusing on personal reflection and transformation when alone. An Advent Study for individual reading will also feature slightly longer reflections.

In their own way, each Advent Study helps you see Christmas in a new way. If you are new to Advent Studies and are looking to try one for the first time, then a good starting point may be one based on a movie. From It’s A Wonderful Life to Scrooge to Miracle on 34th Street, there are plenty of Advent Studies that use classic Christmas films to help you learn a little more about what Advent means.

So, whether you want to understand more of what Advent means, prepare yourself spiritually for Christmas or just have a reason to take some time out for reflection amidst Christmas busyness, these Studies helps you on your journey through Advent.