Advent Week 1 - Hope

Advent Week 1: Hope

Scripture Reading: Isaiah 9:2,6-7; Jeremiah 29:11; Romans 15:12-13; 1 Peter 1:3-4
Theme: Hope in Christ, the Light of the World

The season of Advent is a time of expectant waiting and preparation for both the celebration of Jesus’ birth and His anticipated return. The word "Advent" originates from the Latin term adventus, meaning "coming" or "arrival," a time marked by a journey toward fulfillment. Historically, Advent has been observed as a season of reflection, prayer, and fasting, as Christians prepare their hearts for the coming of Christ. It began as a time to prepare for new believers’ baptism and has evolved into a time to remember both Jesus' first coming in Bethlehem and His promised second coming.

In this first week of Advent, we focus on hope—a central theme woven through both the Old and New Testaments. The prophet Isaiah spoke of hope centuries before Christ’s birth, saying, “The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light” (Isaiah 9:2). This prophetic hope sustained Israel through captivity and hardship, holding to God’s promise of a Savior. Jeremiah 29:11 reminds us of this promise: “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord… to give you a future and a hope.”

In Romans 15:13, Paul emphasizes the hope we now have in Jesus, praying, “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.” Peter also speaks to this, writing in 1 Peter 1:3-4 that we have “a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.” This hope is not merely wishful thinking; it’s rooted in the fulfilled promise of God sending His Son and the assurance of eternal life.

As we light the first candle of Advent, symbolizing hope, let’s reflect on the unfailing promises of God. Despite the darkness we may face, we carry the light of Christ within us, a hope that will never fade. This week, consider how you can live out this hope and share it with others, offering the light of Christ to those who are weary and in need of encouragement.

Join us in praying as we begin the first week of advent.

Heavenly Father,
As we begin this Advent season, we come before You with hearts full of hope. In a world often shadowed by uncertainty, we rest in the assurance of Your promises. You are the God who never fails, the One who brings light into the darkest places. Lord, help us to anchor our hope in Christ, the promised Savior who came to redeem us and will come again to restore all things. Strengthen us to wait patiently, trusting in Your perfect timing. Let the hope we carry be a beacon to those around us, pointing them to the eternal life found in Jesus.
In His holy name we pray, Amen.