A Note About the Advent Devotional
Welcome to the Advent season! As we step into this special time of year, we’re invited to pause and reflect on the hope and joy that Christmas brings. This is a season of anticipation, where we prepare our hearts for the celebration of the coming Messiah. In the midst of holiday busyness, let’s take a moment to focus on what truly matters—the incredible gift of Jesus.
Throughout the weeks of Advent, we’ll dive into themes of love, peace, joy, and hope, connecting them with the beautiful promises found in Scripture that remind us of Christ's arrival. Each daily meditation will focus on the fulfilling prophecy of the coming Messiah, highlighting both the prophetic promises and the fulfilled texts that demonstrate God’s faithfulness. Understanding these connections deepens our appreciation for the significance of Christ’s birth and reinforces the hope we have in Him.
This guide will also loosely align with our Christmas message series, "Christmas Playlist," where we’ll explore the songs and stories that make this season so memorable. To follow along with the message series, be sure to visit bridgepointfl.com/on-demand. Advent isn’t just a countdown to Christmas; it’s a meaningful journey to deepen our relationship with God. As we await the joy of Christ’s coming, let’s embrace this time with open hearts and a sense of wonder.
If you have any questions or thoughts along the way, I’d love to hear from you at contact@bridgepointfl.com. Let’s celebrate the light that has come into the world, bringing hope and grace to our lives.
Throughout the weeks of Advent, we’ll dive into themes of love, peace, joy, and hope, connecting them with the beautiful promises found in Scripture that remind us of Christ's arrival. Each daily meditation will focus on the fulfilling prophecy of the coming Messiah, highlighting both the prophetic promises and the fulfilled texts that demonstrate God’s faithfulness. Understanding these connections deepens our appreciation for the significance of Christ’s birth and reinforces the hope we have in Him.
This guide will also loosely align with our Christmas message series, "Christmas Playlist," where we’ll explore the songs and stories that make this season so memorable. To follow along with the message series, be sure to visit bridgepointfl.com/on-demand. Advent isn’t just a countdown to Christmas; it’s a meaningful journey to deepen our relationship with God. As we await the joy of Christ’s coming, let’s embrace this time with open hearts and a sense of wonder.
If you have any questions or thoughts along the way, I’d love to hear from you at contact@bridgepointfl.com. Let’s celebrate the light that has come into the world, bringing hope and grace to our lives.
What Is Advent?
Throughout history, Advent has been a cherished Christian tradition that follows Thanksgiving and leads us into the heart of the Christmas season. This special time encourages us to anticipate Jesus coming into the world, inviting us to prepare our hearts and homes for His arrival. It’s a spiritual journey that guides us through the themes of hope, love, joy, and peace as we eagerly await the celebration of Jesus' birth and His promised return symbolized in the celebration of Christmas.
By setting aside this period to focus on the true essence of Christmas, Advent helps us experience the profound impact of God’s love, beautifully revealed in the humble birth of God’s Son. It reminds us that this season is not just about the celebration itself, but also about the promise of Jesus coming again. Let’s embrace this journey together as we reflect on the incredible gift of Jesus and the hope that shines through every moment of our Advent season.
By setting aside this period to focus on the true essence of Christmas, Advent helps us experience the profound impact of God’s love, beautifully revealed in the humble birth of God’s Son. It reminds us that this season is not just about the celebration itself, but also about the promise of Jesus coming again. Let’s embrace this journey together as we reflect on the incredible gift of Jesus and the hope that shines through every moment of our Advent season.
How the Advent Devotional Works
To start each week, find a quiet space where you can really engage with the Weekly Focus and Weekly Devotional. These sections are designed to help align your thoughts and emotions with that week’s Advent theme: hope, love, joy, and peace. Take your time to soak in these reflections, and close out your week by participating in the Weekly Community Practice.
For the next five days, immerse yourself in Scripture that connects with the week’s theme. Set aside time to read each passage thoughtfully, inviting God to speak to you through His Word. If you find reading the Bible a bit challenging, don’t hesitate to check out the Bible Reading Guide to enhance your devotional experience.
Finally, the last day of the week is a great opportunity to revisit any readings you might have missed and reflect on any insights that stood out to you during the week. Embrace this time as a way to deepen your understanding and connection to the Advent season.
For the next five days, immerse yourself in Scripture that connects with the week’s theme. Set aside time to read each passage thoughtfully, inviting God to speak to you through His Word. If you find reading the Bible a bit challenging, don’t hesitate to check out the Bible Reading Guide to enhance your devotional experience.
Finally, the last day of the week is a great opportunity to revisit any readings you might have missed and reflect on any insights that stood out to you during the week. Embrace this time as a way to deepen your understanding and connection to the Advent season.
Weekly Community Practice
Using candles (5 total) during Advent is a beautiful way to symbolize and mark the progression of the season as we approach Christmas. Each week, invite your friends and family to join you in lighting a candle, keeping your focus on the birth of Jesus and His promised return. The 5th candle is lit on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day.
While the candles are often arranged in an Advent wreath, this isn’t a requirement. Each candle represents hope, love, joy, and peace. As you light a new candle each week, you’ll add it to the ones lit in previous weeks, culminating in the illumination of all four candles by Christmas. You can use any type of candle—whether generic or specifically designed for Advent—because the goal is to remember the theme of each week and direct your thoughts toward Christ.
Lighting the candles creates a visual and ceremonial moment to reflect on the deeper spiritual themes of Advent. It’s a meaningful way to engage with the season and prepare your heart for the celebration of Christ’s arrival.
While the candles are often arranged in an Advent wreath, this isn’t a requirement. Each candle represents hope, love, joy, and peace. As you light a new candle each week, you’ll add it to the ones lit in previous weeks, culminating in the illumination of all four candles by Christmas. You can use any type of candle—whether generic or specifically designed for Advent—because the goal is to remember the theme of each week and direct your thoughts toward Christ.
Lighting the candles creates a visual and ceremonial moment to reflect on the deeper spiritual themes of Advent. It’s a meaningful way to engage with the season and prepare your heart for the celebration of Christ’s arrival.
Bible Reading Guide
Reading Scripture can feel intimidating and confusing at times, especially if you’re new to Bible study. But remember, God desires for you to know His Word deeply and to dwell on it daily.
Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.
— Colossians 3:16-17
So, how can you read Scripture effectively? It may take a little time to find your rhythm with personal Bible study, but don’t be discouraged! God is at work in you, planting His Word in your heart.
To help you get started, here’s a simple 5-part, 15-minute formula to follow as you reflect daily on the Advent Scriptures:
START WITH PRAYER
This is your intentional time to draw close to God. Begin by inviting Him into this moment, asking Him to reveal His truth to you through His Spirit. A simple prayer can be as easy as, “Here I am, God. I am listening.”
READ THE PASSAGE
Start by reading the passage(s). Take note of what immediately stands out to you. What keywords, themes, or phrases catch your attention? If you come across something you don’t understand, that’s perfectly fine. Focus on what you do grasp.
READ THE PASSAGE AGAIN
Yes, reread it! As you go through it a second time, jot down any questions that arise. Look for Jesus in the passage and consider His plan of redemption. Reflect on how this Scripture is relevant to your life in 2024.
REFLECT AND GO!
Life is full of next steps, and Scripture offers plenty of inspiration, guidance, and correction to lead you into a closer relationship with God. As you wrap up your devotional time, take a moment to ask yourself, “How can I be obedient to what God is showing me through this Scripture?” Then, take that step and go for it
If you have questions or find yourself feeling stuck, that’s completely okay—this is all part of the journey! Remember, your BridgePoint Campus Teams are here to support you. Don’t hesitate to reach out with your questions by emailing: contact@bridgepointfl.com.
Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.
— Colossians 3:16-17
So, how can you read Scripture effectively? It may take a little time to find your rhythm with personal Bible study, but don’t be discouraged! God is at work in you, planting His Word in your heart.
To help you get started, here’s a simple 5-part, 15-minute formula to follow as you reflect daily on the Advent Scriptures:
START WITH PRAYER
This is your intentional time to draw close to God. Begin by inviting Him into this moment, asking Him to reveal His truth to you through His Spirit. A simple prayer can be as easy as, “Here I am, God. I am listening.”
READ THE PASSAGE
Start by reading the passage(s). Take note of what immediately stands out to you. What keywords, themes, or phrases catch your attention? If you come across something you don’t understand, that’s perfectly fine. Focus on what you do grasp.
READ THE PASSAGE AGAIN
Yes, reread it! As you go through it a second time, jot down any questions that arise. Look for Jesus in the passage and consider His plan of redemption. Reflect on how this Scripture is relevant to your life in 2024.
REFLECT AND GO!
Life is full of next steps, and Scripture offers plenty of inspiration, guidance, and correction to lead you into a closer relationship with God. As you wrap up your devotional time, take a moment to ask yourself, “How can I be obedient to what God is showing me through this Scripture?” Then, take that step and go for it
If you have questions or find yourself feeling stuck, that’s completely okay—this is all part of the journey! Remember, your BridgePoint Campus Teams are here to support you. Don’t hesitate to reach out with your questions by emailing: contact@bridgepointfl.com.
