Advent Week 1: Hope

Four Weeks of Advent: Preparing for Christmas and Eternity

Advent is a season of anticipation. The word means "arriving" or "coming", and it is a central theme in all the scriptures. In the Old Testament, God's people were waiting or anticipating the coming of the promised messiah of God, the Chosen One. The arrival of Jesus of Nazareth, a baby born of a virgin, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, satisfied their waiting.

Today, God's people look back at the first advent of Christ with celebration and praise (Christmas), but look forward in anticipation for the second coming/advent of Christ.

Over the next four weeks, we will post a theme of Advent to help us prepare our hearts to celebrate the Incarnation (Christ made flesh) and encourage us as we wait for his second coming (The Day of the Lord).

We will use scripture readings, reflections, and prayers. Over these four weeks, an Advent reading will take place during our Sunday morning worship.

Week 1: Hope - Isaiah 9:2-7

Week 2: Peace - John 14:23-27, 16:33

Week 3: Joy - Luke 2:1-11

Week 4: Love - 1 John 4:7-12

Week 1 Scripture: Isaiah 9:2-7

The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness, on them has light shone. You have multiplied the nation; you have increased its joy; they rejoice before you as with joy at the harvest, as they are glad when they divide the spoil. For the yoke of his burden, and the staff for his shoulder, the rod of his oppressor, you have broken as on the day of Midian. For every boot of the tramping warrior in battle tumult and every garment rolled in blood will be burned as fuel for the fire. For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and of peace there will be no end, on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish it and to uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time forth and forevermore. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will do this.

---

Reflection

• The world we live in has been overcome by darkness (evil).

• Sin has spread to all men, and death has followed.

• Christ is the light that shines in the darkness and gives life to the dead.

  
  

Living In This Hope

Darkness is simply the absence of light. All mankind are sinners; we are separated from God, without hope, and in the darkness of death. But Jesus has come to shine light in the darkness of our hearts, to reveal to us our sin, and show us the path to life through faith and repentance. This is the gospel of hope. (2 Corinthians 4:3-6)

Darkness desires you. Christians are not exempt from the attacks of darkness. Actually, they are at great risk of attacks from the evil one, and their flesh still longs after the darkness of the world. Therefore, Christians must constantly be looking to the light and be led by the Spirit. This means they must continually worship, read, and pray for the sake of Christ, that they may know Him more. (1 Peter 5:8-11)

Spreading This Hope

There are three primary ways to spread the hope of the light of Christ.

• Worship: When you worship Jesus, you are expressing his glory, His radiance, and His brilliance.

• Walk: Live to be like Christ, and your life will reflect His life and His love.

• Witness: Tell those around you who live in the dark that the Light has come to give them hope.

---

Prayer & Hymn

Lord Jesus, shine in our hearts anew. Pour out your grace upon us that we may exalt you in our Christmas celebrations and depend on you as we wait for your return. Fill us with your joy and peace this Christmas season and now and forever more. Amen.