Advent: a season of waiting, hope and light

Published on 02 Dec 2025

3:26 min estimated read time

by Olivia Brambill

Disclaimer: The content on this blog is the opinion of the author and it was correct at the time of writing

Advent is the period of four weeks leading up to Christmas. It begins on the fourth Sunday before 25 December and ends on Christmas Eve. In the Christian calendar, Advent is a time of preparation for the birth of Jesus. More broadly, it has become a season marked by reflection, anticipation and small daily acts of care.

For students at university, including here at UEL, Advent can be a chance to pause, take stock of the term and connect with others before the winter break.

What does ‘Advent’ mean?

The word Advent comes from Latin and means ‘coming’ or ‘arrival’. It brings together two different ideas:

Looking back to the first coming of Jesus at Christmas
Looking forward to a future filled with renewal and hope

The four weeks of Advent are about remembering the past while expecting something good ahead.

Are there any Advent traditions?

Advent is observed in different ways around the world, but common traditions include:

Advent wreaths

A circle of greenery with four candles (sometimes a fifth in the centre). One candle is lit each Sunday before Christmas, adding a little more light each week. The growing brightness reflects the approach of Christmas.

Advent calendars

Advent calendars count down the 25 days to Christmas, often with a small window or pocket for each day. Historically they were linked to prayer or scripture readings. Today they might include chocolates, messages or gifts and treats.

Readings, music and prayer

In many Christian settings, Advent is a quieter time than Christmas itself. People may attend services, listen to Advent hymns or use daily readings to prepare spiritually.

Acts of charity

Because Advent emphasises love and hope, many people use the season to give to others. This might involve donating, volunteering or simply paying closer attention to people who need support.

How to mark Advent at university

University life changes how Advent looks and feels. Students are usually balancing deadlines, jobs, travel plans and being away from home. That mix makes Advent both a personal and a community season.

Common ways students celebrate include:

Advent calendars in shared spaces

Flatmates or halls might put up a calendar in the kitchen, taking turns opening windows each day. It is a small ritual that builds a sense of togetherness.

Campus faith events

Christian student groups and the UEL chaplaincy often hold Advent services, wreath-lighting, carol nights or weekly reflections. These can be quiet, supportive spaces during a busy term.

Friendship and ‘found family’ traditions

Many students create their own Advent rhythms: a weekly dinner, a movie night, a walk to see winter lights or a simple check-in with friends. These acts fit the Advent themes of peace, joy and love.

Giving and volunteering

Students often join charity drives, food bank collections or local volunteering during Advent. For some, this is part of faith; for others, it is a seasonal way to help.

Personal reflection before the break

Advent lines up with end-of-term pressure. Some students use it as a reminder to slow down, reset and look ahead to what they want the new year to be.

Not every student celebrates Advent, and that is normal. Universities bring many beliefs and cultures together. For those who do mark it, though, Advent can become a steadying countdown through a hectic part of the year.

A quiet invitation

At its heart, Advent is simple. It asks people to notice what they are waiting for, and to prepare inwardly as well as outwardly. It holds together stillness and expectation.

One candle, then another – a small light growing, week by week, until the celebration of Christmas.

How can I take part in Advent?

If you want to explore Advent more, try one small practice this week:

Light a candle and sit quietly for a few minutes
Read a short Advent reflection or story
Do one kind thing for someone else each day
Keep an Advent calendar that includes messages, not just treats

Advent is not about rushing towards Christmas. It is about letting the waiting shape you.

If you would like to talk about Advent or other faith traditions while you are at UEL, you can contact the UEL chaplaincy team or visit our faith and spirituality pages for more information.

by Olivia Brambill