HOPE

Advent is a season of inward preparation when our outward preparations become very distracting. It’s a yearly opportunity to consider the promised coming of God’s kingdom on earth. It’s momentous because of the hope of His overcoming sin once and for all.

May we ready ourselves for action and be watchful. The joy we hope for is for the world – and the world needs Him so badly! Let us not fail to receive Him, our Lord and King.

Joy to the world, the Lord is come

Let Earth receive her King!

How do we stay focused on Jesus throughout the season? As often as you can, keep a candle burning, reminding yourself that the first candle on the Advent wreath represents Hope. The first Sunday of Advent not only leads us to anticipate the birth of Christ but to celebrate the beginning of a new liturgical season as well. Sometimes called the "Prophecy Candle," the first candle harkens us back to Isaiah's foretelling of the birth of Christ and all the promises God gave us in the Old Testament that the birth of Jesus would fulfill.

Prayer: "Father in heaven, we praise you because "You are my hope and my help, my glory and the lifter-up of my head." Psalm 3:3 Thank you for giving us the hope of your return while not abandoning us, for you have left your Spirit as our Comforter and Guide. We praise you for the hope you have planted in our hearts; that we will soon experience firsthand. Through your grace, we feel your supporting arms leading us towards you. We await your salvation with a fervent desire and a calm surrender, thanks to your unchanging promise. Amen."