Friday, November 25
WEEK OF HOPE
What is Advent?
Formed from a Latin word meaning “coming” or “arrival,” Advent is the traditional celebration of the first advent of Jesus in humility and the anxious awaiting of His second advent in glory. The season is a time for remembering and rejoicing, watching and waiting. The space between Thanksgiving and Christmas can sometimes seem like a blur. You’ve just put the turkey away, and now you’re unwrapping gifts?! The thrill of Christmas often gives way to the dread of Christmastime. It doesn’t have to be that way. What if we spent this month focusing on the first Arrival of Jesus as we long for the second? Would the stress in our lives give way to a newfound Hope in the One we await? This week, let's read and reflect on the promised baby who would become our Shepherd King.
Why candles?
This symbol is borrowed from the emphasis throughout the Scriptures of Jesus Christ being the Light of the World (Matt. 4:16; John 1:4–9; 8:12). Each week, a new candle is lit in anticipation of Christmas Eve. The last candle, the Christ Candle, is lit on Christmas Eve to represent Jesus’ first advent. We see a picture of the gospel through this theme of ever-increasing light penetrating the darkness. Regardless of the tradition, Advent is a significant time in the life of the Church. It’s an opportunity for believers to remember God’s promise to send One who would overcome sin and death forever. God promised a Savior, and He kept that promise perfectly. We will light the candles on Sunday, starting November 27, and the last will be lit on Christmas Eve.
READ:
In the coming days, this section will list the Bible verse for you to read for the day.
REFLECTION TIME:
Talk about these questions with your family or group.
DAILY PRAYER:
This section will list the Prayer Prompts in the coming days.