Advent

Advent is all about preparation—not just for Christmas, but for the coming of Christ into our lives and hearts. It’s a time to pause, reflect, and realign our focus on the true reason we celebrate this season: Jesus.

In the busyness of gift shopping, parties, and decorating, it’s easy to lose sight of what’s most important. But Advent invites us to slow down and experience the hope, peace, joy, and love that Jesus brings.

Jesus’ coming brings hope to a broken world.

Isaiah 9:2 says, "The people who walk in darkness will see a great light. For those who live in a land of deep darkness, a light will shine."

Advent begins with hope—the anticipation of the Messiah, the Light of the World.

Jesus’ coming fulfills God’s promise to bring light into the darkness. Isaiah spoke of a light shining on those who had been walking in darkness. Jesus is that light. With compassion, He looked upon those who had grown used to walking in darkness, came to them, revealed Himself to them, and showed them the light of His gospel.

You can start a gratitude journal to reflect on God’s faithfulness and promises.

What areas of your life need the light of Jesus’ hope this season?

Romans 15:13 says, "I pray that God, the source of hope, will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in Him. Then you will overflow with confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit."

Biblical hope isn’t wishful thinking—it’s confident trust in God’s promises.

In the Bible, there is a woman who suffered from a condition for years. When she heard that Jesus was coming to town, she had so much hope in Him that she knew she only needed to touch the hem of His garment to be healed. She made her way to Him, touched His garment, and immediately knew she was healed. Jesus, recognizing her faith, told her that her faith had made her well.

As you go about life, how can you trust God’s promises to bring hope into your life today?

Isaiah 9:2 speaks of a great light breaking into the darkness, bringing hope to those in despair. Romans 15:13 builds on this by declaring that through faith in Christ, we are filled with joy, peace, and an abounding hope through the power of the Holy Spirit. Together, these verses celebrate the hope found in Christ’s coming, shining light into the world and filling hearts with unshakable hope.

In times when life feels overwhelming or uncertain, the message of Advent speaks directly to our hearts: Christ has come, and He will come again.

Advent calls us to lift our eyes beyond the hardships of life and fix them on the light of Jesus, who offers a hope that never fades. Just as the shepherds and wise men rejoiced at the good news of His birth, we, too, can rejoice, knowing that no matter how dark life feels, the Light of Christ has come to bring us salvation, peace, and the unshakable hope of eternal life.

Focus on the hope Jesus brings, even in challenging times. Advent reminds us that no matter how dark life feels, the Light of Christ brings hope that never fades.

Jesus, the Prince of Peace, came to reconcile us to God and to one another.

Isaiah 9:6 says, "For a child is born to us, a son is given to us. The government will rest on His shoulders. And He will be called: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace."

There is an unexplainable inner peace that comes from trusting in Christ. So, if you are finding the holiday season to be a tough one—and maybe you don’t even know why it feels tough—lean into the Lord and ask Him where you need the peace of Christ to rule in your life this season.

Worldly peace is temporary, but Jesus’ peace is lasting and unshakable.

John 14:27 says, "I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid."

When we need peace, there are practical steps we can take to receive it. One very effective way is to spend 5–10 minutes daily in quiet prayer, inviting Christ to bring peace over our lives. Getting away from the noise of the world helps us clear our minds and focus on God and what He provides for us.

What other ways come to mind for you? How can you create moments of stillness to experience God’s peace during Advent?

Isaiah 9:6 proclaims Jesus as the Prince of Peace, whose reign brings everlasting peace and justice. In John 14:27, Jesus offers His followers a peace unlike any the world can give—a peace that calms hearts and drives out fear. Together, these verses reveal that through Jesus, we receive a deep, enduring peace that transcends circumstances and anchors our souls.

As we go about our Christmas parties, travels, and family time, I want to encourage you to embrace Christ’s peace amidst the holiday hustle. We need to remember that God sent His Son to bring peace, and the season of Advent invites us to rest in the peace of Christ, a gift that surpasses all understanding.

Jesus’ coming brings joy and reveals God’s unfailing love.

Luke 2:10-11 says, "The angel reassured them, 'Don’t be afraid!' he said. 'I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people. The Savior—yes, the Messiah, the Lord—has been born today in Bethlehem, the city of David!'"

The announcement of Jesus’ birth brought joy to the shepherds and all who awaited the Messiah.

My oldest son was born on December 21st, and just two days prior, my grandmother passed away. During that Christmas season of joy and pain, I kept thinking of Mary as she awaited the birth of Jesus. As I sat there pregnant, I became overwhelmed with joy just thinking about my child and imagining how Mary must have felt. She was facing trials, yet she must have been filled with love and excitement at the same time. Life is hard, and unexpected things happen, but the joy of the Lord transcends all circumstances.

How can you share the joy of Christ with others this season?

John 3:16 says, "For this is how God loved the world: He gave His one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life."

Advent is a reminder of God’s love, demonstrated through the gift of His Son. This love is not merely an abstract idea but a tangible gift revealed in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus.

To reflect God’s love, you can engage in acts of kindness, like volunteering your time, offering a listening ear, performing small acts of service, actively practicing forgiveness, showing compassion, and being generous.

How can you be a vessel of God’s love during this Advent season?

Luke 2:10-11 announces the good news of great joy: the Savior, Christ the Lord, has been born for all people. John 3:16 reveals the depth of God’s love, as He gave His only Son so that whoever believes in Him will have eternal life. Together, these verses highlight the joy and love of Advent, celebrating God’s gift of salvation through Jesus Christ.

Advent celebrates the joy of Jesus’ birth and the love of God that sent Him to us. Through His birth, we witness God’s desire to draw near to us, to dwell with us, and to reconcile us to Himself.

Advent invites us to reflect on this joy and love, not just as historical events, but as present realities that transform our lives. It is a time to prepare our hearts to receive Christ anew, to celebrate His first coming, and to eagerly await His return.

Let your hearts overflow with joy and love, sharing it with others.

I hope you feel inspired to embrace the hope, peace, joy, and love of Advent.

Advent is more than a countdown to Christmas—it’s an invitation to prepare our hearts for Christ’s presence in our lives. Isaiah 7:14 reminds us,

My prayer is that you’ll experience God’s presence in a fresh way this Advent season.

May your heart be filled with hope, your mind at peace, your spirit overflowing with joy, and your life reflecting God’s love.