Should Protestants Celebrate Advent?
Should Protestants Celebrate Advent?
Ever since the Protestant Reformation, Protestants have grown more leery in regards to tradition and other extra-biblical practices. This understandable concern over how Protestants should relate to tradition has led many to reject the historical Christian holiday, Advent. Unintentionally, Protestants have essentially “thrown the baby out with the bath water.” Tradition should be understood in it’s proper place. Scripture is the ultimate authority for all things in Christian faith and practice. However, that should not lead Protestants to outright reject a wonderful Christian holiday such as Advent. This time of year should be a point of focus where Protestants prepare their minds and hearts as Christmas draws near. So why should Advent be celebrated by Protestants?
Reason #1 — Advent connects Protestants today with a long line of historic Christianity
Protestants since the Reformation have defended the doctrine of “sola scriptura” (scripture alone). This is a rightful and godly cause. Does this mean that Protestants should put on blindfolds in response to what God has done in Christian history? C.S. Lewis calls this method of thinking “chronological snobbery.” The celebration of the first and second coming of Christ is a holiday worth partaking in based on the unity it brings within the body of Christ throughout generations. When Christians today celebrate Advent, they are worshipping Christ with the faithful saints of the past, while also continuing the work of laying a foundation for future generations.
Reason #2 — Advent reminds Protestants today of the joy that is found in Christ
Throughout the Christmas season, secular and corporate America constantly attempts to provide their consumers with a narrative of what Christmas is all about. This has led to many to feel a sense of false joy. The practice and celebration of Advent should remind Protestants that God has come to earth as a human; born of a virgin with the purpose of fulfilling God’s redemptive plan for humanity. The coming of Jesus should give Protestants the joy that only He can bring. This joy is not a merely an emotional feeling. Rather, it is a state of constant rejoicing in the Christ that came to earth to save sinners.
Reason #3 — Advent reminds Protestants today of the hope that is found in Christ
This joy that Advent brings should also lead Protestants to having hope. Because Christ has come in the flesh to fulfill the redemptive plan God has for humanity, it gives assurance that sinners can now be saved and all things are being reconciled to Him. A major aspect of the Christmas story is that Christ was born of a virgin. Despite attempts to downplay this vital part of the historical narrative, this particular truth should bring Protestants hope. In other words, because Christ was born of a virgin, He did not have a sin nature like the rest of mankind. If this were not the case, Protestants would not have hope in Christ based on the reality that He would not be sinless, and thus a sufficient sacrifice for the sins of His people.
Reason #4 — Advent reminds Protestants today that Christ is preeminent over all things
One of my favorite verses to read around Christmas is found in Colossians 1:15–19:
“He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities — all things were created through him and for him. And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together. And he is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent. For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross.”
Jesus coming to earth as fully man and fully God points to a vital Christian truth: He is the firstborn of all creation. In the original language of the New Testament, the word Paul used to describe this truth is, πρωτότοκος. Many have used this verse to attempt to claim that the Apostle was communicating that Jesus was the first and greatest creation of God. However, that is not what this particular term means. In this passage, the Apostle Paul was painting a clear and distinct picture of who Christ was: the preeminent one in which all things were created. Advent reminds Protestants that Jesus is not simply the pinnacle of God’s creation. Rather, it points back to Paul’s words in Colossians: “He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent.” Advent is centered upon the truth that Christ is Lord over all things and should be worshipped as He is.
Reason #5 — Advent reminds Protestants today that Christ will come again
Most of the focus during Christmas is on Christ coming to dwell among mankind as a baby. The tradition of Advent not only points to this first coming, but also points to the moment where He will come again for His bride. The redemptive plan of God has already been complete in the person and work of Christ, but it has not yet been fully realized yet. The moment when this plan is fully complete and realized will take place at the second coming of Christ. At that time, He will not come in a humble and mild manner like He did in His first coming. Rather, He will come down from Heaven to pronounce judgment and pour out wrath upon His enemies.. He will be seen as Lord over all things. Advent is a time of expectation for the moment when Christ will return to set up His earthly kingdom and rule over His people.
I pray that this Christmas season brings to your mind and heart the ultimate purpose of the holiday: to worship Christ and recognize His lordship. A way this can be done is through the celebration of Advent. This is certainly not a biblical commandment, but it is a healthy and godly tradition that brings glory to the Savior that has come to redeem sinners for Himself.
