By The Rt. Rev’d Ifeanyi Akunna, Anglican Bishop of Ogoja Diocese.
Bishop@ifeanyiakunna.com
Advent is one of the most profound and meaningful Seasons in the life of the Church. It marks the beginning of the Christian liturgical year and spans four weeks, leading to Christmas. The word ‘Advent’ was derived from the Latin word adventus, meaning “coming” or “arrival,” Advent calls the Church to reflect deeply on the coming of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.
At its heart, Advent is a season of expectation and hope. The Church looks back with gratitude to the first coming of Christ in humility as a child in Bethlehem (Luke 2:10–11), celebrates His coming daily into our lives through Word and Sacrament (Revelation 3:20), and looks forward in hope to His glorious second coming as King and Judge of all (Matthew 24:30–31).
Advent as a Season of Hope
The message of Advent is fundamentally a message of hope. The prophet Isaiah captured this hope when he declared: “The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness, on them has light shined” (Isaiah 9:2). In a world broken by sin, fear, injustice, and despair, Advent reminds us that God has not abandoned humanity. He entered human history in the person of Jesus Christ to redeem and restore.
For Nigeria today, this message of hope is deeply relevant. Our nation grapples with insecurity, kidnapping, banditry, economic hardship, corruption, youth unemployment, ethnic tensions, and moral decline. Many citizens feel overwhelmed and uncertain about the future. Advent proclaims to us that darkness does not have the final word. Jesus Christ, the Light of the world (John 8:12), comes to dispel darkness and to bring healing, justice, and peace.
Advent as a Season of Preparation
Advent is also a call to preparation. John the Baptist’s voice rings clearly during this season: “Prepare the way of the Lord, make His paths straight” (Matthew 3:3). Preparation in Advent is not merely about decorations, festivities, or material readiness for Christmas. It is primarily spiritual preparation—repentance, self-examination, prayer, and renewed obedience to God.
The Apostle Paul exhorts the Church: “Now it is high time to awake out of sleep… The night is far spent, the day is at hand” (Romans 13:11–12). Advent, therefore, challenges the Church and society to wake up from moral complacency and spiritual slumber.
In the Nigerian context, this call to preparation speaks to leaders and citizens alike. It calls our political leaders to prepare their hearts for governance marked by integrity, justice, and accountability. It challenges religious leaders to preach truth, holiness, and compassion rather than compromise. It urges families, youths, and communities to return to God, reject violence and corruption, and embrace righteousness.
Advent and the Incarnation: God With Us
One of the central truths celebrated in Advent is the Incarnation—God becoming man in Jesus Christ. The angel announced to Joseph: “They shall call His name Immanuel,” which means God with us (Matthew 1:23). This truth reassures us that God is not distant from human suffering. He entered into it.
For Nigerians who daily experience pain from poverty, displacement, insecurity, and loss, Advent assures us that God understands our struggles. Christ was born into a poor family in a troubled political environment under Roman oppression. He identifies with the suffering masses. Hebrews 4:15 reminds us that we have a High Priest who sympathizes with our weaknesses.
Advent as a Call to Watchfulness and Responsibility
Advent also points us toward the future—the second coming of Jesus Christ. Jesus warned: “Watch therefore, for you do not know what hour your Lord is coming” (Matthew 24:42). This aspect of Advent calls the Church to live responsibly, faithfully, and expectantly.
For our nation, Nigeria, this watchfulness translates into active citizenship and moral responsibility. Christians are called not to withdraw from society but to be salt and light (Matthew 5:13–16). Advent challenges the Church in Nigeria to be a prophetic voice, speaking against injustice, standing with the oppressed, promoting peace, and offering practical compassion.
As Nigeria journeys through challenging times, Advent reminds us that God is still at work, history is under His control, and redemption is possible.
May this Advent Season awaken the Church and our nation, Nigeria to the coming of Christ, the Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6)—Who alone can heal our land and give us a future filled with hope.
“Come, Lord Jesus” (Revelation 22:20).
