What’s the Difference Between Advent and Christmas? Try This Week Four Advent Meditation

What’s the Difference Between Advent and Christmas? Over the past 4 weeks, we have explored the meaning of Advent and learned how (and why) Christians observe this season in the Christian liturgical calendar. 

As we round the corner towards Christmas, entering the fourth week of Advent, we will take a closer look at the difference Between Advent and Christmas. 

We will also share one final Advent meditation to help you close out the season of Advent and enter into the Christmas season with intention. 

Advent and Christmas: What’s the Difference?

Advent and Christmas are distinct seasons within the Christian liturgical calendar, each with its own purpose, themes, and traditions. In summary, Advent is about preparation and waiting; Christmas is about fulfillment and celebration. Let’s take a closer look.

Advent begins on the fourth Sunday before Christmas and lasts until Christmas Eve, spanning about four weeks. It is a time for introspection, prayer, and spiritual renewal.

During the season of Advent, we prepare, anticipate, and reflect on the “comings” of Christ:

  • Remembering his incarnation as a baby born in Bethlehem.
  • Awakening to his presence in the hearts of believers today.
  • Looking forward to his eventual return in glory.

In contrast, Christmas marks the fulfillment of the anticipation built during Advent. The season begins on December 25th and extends through the twelve days of Christmas, culminating in the Feast of Epiphany on January 6th. 

During this season we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, the Incarnation of God. It is a time of joy, celebration, and gratitude for the fulfillment of God’s promise.

Why Are There Four Weeks of Advent?

In the 11th century, Pope St. Gregory VII formalized the practice of observing four Sundays of Advent, though earlier observances included up to five Sundays. The number four carries significant symbolism in the Christian tradition. 

The four weeks represent the 4,000 years traditionally believed to have passed between the creation of the world and the birth of Jesus. This aligns with the biblical significance of the number four, often associated with creation (e.g., the four cardinal directions and the four elements). 

Each of the four weeks of Advent focuses on a distinct theme, which guides us to reflect, anticipate, and awaken to the “comings” of Christ.

Try This Week Four Advent Meditation

How do we prepare for Advent and Christmas? By meditating on the comings of Christ, past, present, and future! 

Here is an Advent meditation for the fourth week of Advent. This breath prayer is a lovely way to transition from Advent to Christmas by focusing on the theme of love. Use this advent meditation to reflect on the perfect love of God made known to us through Jesus.

“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son.”

– John 3:16

Advent Meditation for Week Four of Advent:

  • Preparation: Find a quiet and comfortable space where you won’t be disturbed. Sit or lie down in a comfortable position. Begin with a few minutes of mindful breathing. Pay attention to your breath, inhaling and exhaling naturally. This helps calm the mind and bring your attention to the present moment.
  • Focus: As you inhale, invite God’s love to draw near to you through Jesus. As you exhale, let go of your doubts and insecurities and allow yourself to be held by the perfect love of God.
  • Breath Prayer: (Inspired by John 3:16) This Advent meditation invites us to meditate on the love of God that comes near to us in Jesus Christ.
    • Inhale: God loved the world so much…
    • Exhale: …that He gave us his one and only Son.

Take the Christ-Centered Meditation Quiz

How do we transition from Advent to Christmas? The Advent season reminds us of God’s love revealed to us in Jesus Christ. Meditation helps us to set distractions aside and to come home to the perfect love of God. 

By practicing Christ-centered meditation, you can draw near to the love of God as He most certainly drew near to us in the birth of Jesus Christ.

Want to learn more about what makes Christian meditation different from other types of meditation? Take my Christ-centered Meditation Quiz!