Growing up, I would hear the word Advent and see those fun calendars with the little doors, each hiding a piece of chocolate for the countdown to Christmas. I didn’t really understand what Advent meant. I knew it was a time for preparing before Christmas, but preparing for what? I understood it wasn’t just about the presents and that it had something to do with Jesus, but that was as far as my understanding went.
As I got older, I learned that Advent is so much more than counting down days. It’s a time to prepare our hearts, not just our homes, to celebrate the birth of Jesus and to anticipate His promised return. It’s a season of waiting—not the impatient kind of waiting, like when you’re a kid shaking presents under the tree, but an intentional waiting, filled with hope.
The first week of Advent focuses on hope. Hope isn’t just wishful thinking; it’s the confident belief that God’s promises will come true, even when life feels uncertain. I think back to times in my life when waiting felt heavy—times when I didn’t know what the future would hold or when answers seemed far off. In those moments, hope was my anchor, reminding me to trust that God is faithful, even when I couldn’t see the outcome.
Isaiah describes the hope the people of Israel clung to for generations:
For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. — Isaiah 9:6-7
This prophecy was fulfilled in Jesus, and just as God kept that promise, we can trust Him to be faithful in our lives, too.
As we enter this first week of Advent, let’s remember the hope we have in Jesus. Where in your life do you need to be reminded of God’s faithfulness? Maybe it’s in a situation that feels unresolved, a prayer you’re still waiting to see answered, or a burden that feels heavy. Advent is a reminder that just as the people of Israel waited for the Messiah, we can wait with hope, knowing God is with us and His promises never fail.
The rest of Advent builds on this foundation of hope. The second week highlights peace, reminding us of the peace Jesus brings to our hearts and the world. The third week celebrates joy, inviting us to rejoice in the good news of Jesus' birth. The final week focuses on love, reflecting on God’s immense love shown through the gift of His Son.
This week, let’s live out hope by trusting God in the waiting and sharing that hope with others. A kind word, a listening ear, or even a simple prayer can remind someone that God is faithful, even in the hardest seasons.
But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. — Isaiah 40:31
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