Advent Hope

Advent Hope Devotional: Preparing for His Coming

In some Christian traditions, tomorrow is the first Sunday of Advent. I did not grow up in a Christian background that overtly observes Advent or follows a liturgical calendar. However, I believe it benefits us to ensure we don't let the message of Jesus get lost to our hearts during the Christmas season.

Advent means ‘coming’. It’s a season of preparing our hearts for Christ’s arrival. Whether you’ve marked Advent for years or you have never observed it, this series invites you to slow down, reflect, and focus your heart and mind on the coming King in the days and weeks before Christmas Day. As we prepare to celebrate Christ's arrival, we will look at the Advent themes of hope, peace, joy, and love.

Advent Hope

In common English usage, hope describes an expectation or desire that is not based on certainty. It suggests the hoped-for thing is only a possibility. In the Bible, the words translated as hope have a different meaning. The Biblical definition of hope is based on a confident assurance that expectations will be met. It is far more than a wish. As Christians, our confident assurance and expectation (hope) is based on the steadfastness of God. While hope in the natural is an optimistic outlook that what we desire will come to pass. Biblical hope is based on God's Word and what God says is true. Nothing founded on Truth can fail.

Right now, people across the globe are preparing to celebrate the Messiah's entry into the world over 2000 years ago. The arrival we celebrate today was hoped for for hundreds of years. In Deuteronomy 18:15-19, Moses told the Israelites:

"The Lord your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among you, from your brothers—it is to him you shall listen" (Deuteronomy 18:15)

 

Many generations later, Jesus was born to Mary. During His time on earth, Jesus told His listeners that He must leave but would return (John 14:3). Christians today live hopeful of this Second Coming.

 

As we celebrate Christmas, we miss out on the full meaning if we only consider the birth of Jesus. Christmas is more than an opportunity to look back. It is a reminder to look forward with confident expectation of Christ's triumphant return. It is an opportunity to look out with thanksgiving for the ways His light breaks through darkness in our world, and transforms lives and hearts today.

 

During the waiting stage between two arrivals, the "God of hope" is with and for us. Jesus sent the Holy Spirit to be our Helper and Advocate. We have hope that God hears and answers our prayers. We have hope that we are being transformed day by day into His image. We have hope that God has a good plan for our lives while we live in anticipation of the full fulfilment of His Word. It may not always be comfortable, but this waiting is also a blessed experience.

Write the Scriptures: Advent Hope

These seven verses will help you reflect on the Advent theme of hope:

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. (Romans15:13)

Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. (Romans 12:12)

We have this as a sure and steadfast anchor of the soul, a hope that enters into the inner place behind the curtain. (Hebrews 6:19)

"The Lord is my portion,” says my soul, “therefore I will hope in him." (Lamentations 3:24)

But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint. (Isaiah 40:31)

For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. (Jeremiah 29:11)

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. (Isaiah 9:2)

Prayer of Hope, Advent

Lord, as I begin this Advent season, turn my heart towards hope.

Thank You that You are the God of hope, and that Your light shines even in places that feel dark. Help me to wait on You with confidence. Renew my strength when I feel weary. Anchor my hope in Your unchanging promises, not in my circumstances. Teach me to rejoice in hope, to be patient in trials, and to stay constant in prayer because You came among us and will return triumphant.

Thank You that Your plans for me are good, and that Your mercy meets me every morning.

As I choose to prepare my heart for your arrival during this first week of Advent, fill me with a quiet, confident expectation of what You will do in me and through me. In Jesus' Name, Amen.