Week One: Hope
November 30th - December 6th
Advent begins with hope. Not a shallow kind of hope, but a deep, steady confidence that God has not forgotten His promises. Even when the world feels cold or heavy, even when it feels like Christmas may never come, hope says that God is still near and still moving. This week, we look honestly at the ache in our lives and the world, and we let that ache point us toward our need for Jesus.
Each day, you’ll walk through a short passage of Scripture using the rhythm of Lectio Divina, an ancient way of reading that helps us listen, not just learn. Slow down. Let the Word speak. Let hope rise.
Each day, you’ll walk through a short passage of Scripture using the rhythm of Lectio Divina, an ancient way of reading that helps us listen, not just learn. Slow down. Let the Word speak. Let hope rise.
Community Practice
Whether you’re with friends, family, or even enjoying some quiet time by yourself, take a moment to put this week’s focus into practice. Start by finding a visible spot in your home to set up your Advent candles. Here are a few simple steps to guide you.
Step One: Proclaim
Begin with the first candle of the Advent season, representing Hope, and proclaim aloud:
"The first candle of Advent represents God’s HOPE that was given to us through the birth of Jesus Christ and the promise of His return. I declare God’s word in Isaiah 9:2, “The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness, a light has dawned.” Praise God that the light has come through His Son, Jesus."
Step Two: Share
Encourage everyone to take a moment to share or meditate on their own thoughts, feelings, or personal experiences related to the week’s theme as the candles are lit. This is a wonderful opportunity to reflect together on what hope means to each of you. Whether it’s a story or simply a moment of silence, allow this time to deepen your understanding and connection to the significance of the season.
"What are you hopeful about this Christmas season?"
Step Three: Pray
Spend time together praying, thanking God for the hope represented by the candles and ask for His guidance as you continue through the Advent season.
"Lord, as we look to the birth of Jesus and anticipate His return, grant to us the light of your love so we have hope this Christmas season. Turn our hearts towards Jesus to be more like him in thought and devotion. And prepare our hearts with joy and gladness for your presence. For our hope is in Jesus alone. Amen."
Step Four: Caroling & Community
Finish your time by singing a Christmas carol together or listening to a Christmas playlist as you continue with your day. Allow the candle to stay lit for the rest of the time you are together as a reminder of God’s hope this Advent season.
“Come Thou Long Expected Jesus” by John Wesley
Step One: Proclaim
Begin with the first candle of the Advent season, representing Hope, and proclaim aloud:
"The first candle of Advent represents God’s HOPE that was given to us through the birth of Jesus Christ and the promise of His return. I declare God’s word in Isaiah 9:2, “The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness, a light has dawned.” Praise God that the light has come through His Son, Jesus."
Step Two: Share
Encourage everyone to take a moment to share or meditate on their own thoughts, feelings, or personal experiences related to the week’s theme as the candles are lit. This is a wonderful opportunity to reflect together on what hope means to each of you. Whether it’s a story or simply a moment of silence, allow this time to deepen your understanding and connection to the significance of the season.
"What are you hopeful about this Christmas season?"
Step Three: Pray
Spend time together praying, thanking God for the hope represented by the candles and ask for His guidance as you continue through the Advent season.
"Lord, as we look to the birth of Jesus and anticipate His return, grant to us the light of your love so we have hope this Christmas season. Turn our hearts towards Jesus to be more like him in thought and devotion. And prepare our hearts with joy and gladness for your presence. For our hope is in Jesus alone. Amen."
Step Four: Caroling & Community
Finish your time by singing a Christmas carol together or listening to a Christmas playlist as you continue with your day. Allow the candle to stay lit for the rest of the time you are together as a reminder of God’s hope this Advent season.
“Come Thou Long Expected Jesus” by John Wesley
Day 1: A World That Groans
Scripture: Romans 8:22-23
Read the passage slowly and carefully at least twice with a brief moment of silence between each reading. Ask the question, What words or phrases stand out to you?
Reflect: All of creation groans. Not because it is ending, but because something new is being born. Paul describes this world not as a place falling apart, but as a world in labor, longing for redemption. Advent starts by naming that ache. We live in the “not yet,” but hope reminds us that God is already at work.
Pray: God, give me hope in the groaning and faith to believe that You are making all things new.
Contemplate: Where in your life do you feel the ache of waiting? What would it look like to hold on to hope there?
Read the passage slowly and carefully at least twice with a brief moment of silence between each reading. Ask the question, What words or phrases stand out to you?
Reflect: All of creation groans. Not because it is ending, but because something new is being born. Paul describes this world not as a place falling apart, but as a world in labor, longing for redemption. Advent starts by naming that ache. We live in the “not yet,” but hope reminds us that God is already at work.
Pray: God, give me hope in the groaning and faith to believe that You are making all things new.
Contemplate: Where in your life do you feel the ache of waiting? What would it look like to hold on to hope there?
Day 2: Honest Longing
Scripture: Psalm 130:5-6
Read the passage slowly and carefully at least twice with a brief moment of silence between each reading. Ask the question, What words or phrases stand out to you?
Reflect: Hope isn’t about pretending everything is okay. The psalmist waits with his whole being. He is longing, watching, and trusting. Advent gives us space to name our longings honestly while placing our hope in God’s unchanging Word.
Pray: Lord, help me be honest in my waiting and confident in Your promises.
Contemplate: Where in your life do you feel longing that only God can fulfill? (This may be similar to yesterday's contemplation. If so, what are practical things you can do to begin moving towards God’s fulfillment in your life?)
Read the passage slowly and carefully at least twice with a brief moment of silence between each reading. Ask the question, What words or phrases stand out to you?
Reflect: Hope isn’t about pretending everything is okay. The psalmist waits with his whole being. He is longing, watching, and trusting. Advent gives us space to name our longings honestly while placing our hope in God’s unchanging Word.
Pray: Lord, help me be honest in my waiting and confident in Your promises.
Contemplate: Where in your life do you feel longing that only God can fulfill? (This may be similar to yesterday's contemplation. If so, what are practical things you can do to begin moving towards God’s fulfillment in your life?)
Day 3: Light is Coming
Scripture: Isaiah 9:2
Read the passage slowly and carefully at least twice with a brief moment of silence between each reading. Ask the question, What words or phrases stand out to you?
Reflect: What image comes to mind when you hear “a great light?” Darkness is undoubtedly real, but so is the promise that light has come. Jesus steps into the darkness, not once we’ve fixed it, but right in the middle of it. Hope doesn’t erase the darkness. It shines in it.
Pray: Jesus, shine Your light into the places where I feel overwhelmed and the shadows lurk. Give me courage to surrender those spaces to you.
Contemplate: Where do you find darkness in your current circumstances and need to be reminded that light still shines in the darkness?
Read the passage slowly and carefully at least twice with a brief moment of silence between each reading. Ask the question, What words or phrases stand out to you?
Reflect: What image comes to mind when you hear “a great light?” Darkness is undoubtedly real, but so is the promise that light has come. Jesus steps into the darkness, not once we’ve fixed it, but right in the middle of it. Hope doesn’t erase the darkness. It shines in it.
Pray: Jesus, shine Your light into the places where I feel overwhelmed and the shadows lurk. Give me courage to surrender those spaces to you.
Contemplate: Where do you find darkness in your current circumstances and need to be reminded that light still shines in the darkness?
Day 4: The First Promise
Scripture: Genesis 3:14-15
Read the passage slowly and carefully at least twice with a brief moment of silence between each reading. Ask the question, What words or phrases stand out to you?
Reflect: From the beginning, the promise of redemption speaks to the heart of people. Even as sin entered the world, God made a promise. Evil would not have the last word. From the very beginning, God’s plan was redemption. Advent is a return to that first promise, trusting that God always keeps His Word.
Pray: God, thank you for being faithful even when the world falls short. Thank you for mourning with me in my grief and celebrating in my joy.
Contemplate: What promise of God are you holding on to right now? If you need a daily reminder, write it down and put it somewhere that you visit often (your car, bathroom mirror, etc.) to remind you of God’s promise.
Read the passage slowly and carefully at least twice with a brief moment of silence between each reading. Ask the question, What words or phrases stand out to you?
Reflect: From the beginning, the promise of redemption speaks to the heart of people. Even as sin entered the world, God made a promise. Evil would not have the last word. From the very beginning, God’s plan was redemption. Advent is a return to that first promise, trusting that God always keeps His Word.
Pray: God, thank you for being faithful even when the world falls short. Thank you for mourning with me in my grief and celebrating in my joy.
Contemplate: What promise of God are you holding on to right now? If you need a daily reminder, write it down and put it somewhere that you visit often (your car, bathroom mirror, etc.) to remind you of God’s promise.
Day 5: Hope in the Silence
Scripture: Lamentations 3:25-26
Read the passage slowly and carefully at least twice with a brief moment of silence between each reading. Ask the question, What words or phrases stand out to you?
Reflect: Notice the quiet strength in these verses. God’s people knew what it meant to wait in silence. But silence is not absence. Sometimes, hope is quiet. Sometimes, hope sounds like stillness. But even in the waiting, God is near.
Pray: Lord, help me trust You in the quiet and believe You’re still working when I question.
Contemplate: How do you normally respond to silence? What might God be doing in the quiet? Set a timer for 5 minutes and just be quiet. Listen to everything around you. Listen for God to speak in the silence.
Read the passage slowly and carefully at least twice with a brief moment of silence between each reading. Ask the question, What words or phrases stand out to you?
Reflect: Notice the quiet strength in these verses. God’s people knew what it meant to wait in silence. But silence is not absence. Sometimes, hope is quiet. Sometimes, hope sounds like stillness. But even in the waiting, God is near.
Pray: Lord, help me trust You in the quiet and believe You’re still working when I question.
Contemplate: How do you normally respond to silence? What might God be doing in the quiet? Set a timer for 5 minutes and just be quiet. Listen to everything around you. Listen for God to speak in the silence.
Day 6: The First Breath of Hope
Scripture: Luke 2:6-7
Read the passage slowly and carefully at least twice with a brief moment of silence between each reading. Ask the question, What words or phrases stand out to you?
Reflect: The birth of Jesus didn’t come with a spotlight. It came with a cry in the night. But that first breath was the beginning of everything changing. The long winter began to thaw. Hope had arrived.
Pray: Jesus, thank You for stepping into the world, my world, with grace and truth. Thank You for hope that light has come.
Contemplate: How does the simplicity of Jesus’ birth shape the way you see God?
Read the passage slowly and carefully at least twice with a brief moment of silence between each reading. Ask the question, What words or phrases stand out to you?
Reflect: The birth of Jesus didn’t come with a spotlight. It came with a cry in the night. But that first breath was the beginning of everything changing. The long winter began to thaw. Hope had arrived.
Pray: Jesus, thank You for stepping into the world, my world, with grace and truth. Thank You for hope that light has come.
Contemplate: How does the simplicity of Jesus’ birth shape the way you see God?
Day 7: Anchored in Hope
Scripture: Hebrews 6:19-20
Read the passage slowly and carefully at least twice with a brief moment of silence between each reading. Ask the question, What words or phrases stand out to you?
Reflect: Image an anchor. Specifically, the purpose and use. Hope is not just a feeling, but it’s an anchor. It holds us when life is stormy and unsteady. It plants us in calm seas to enjoy the stillness. Advent helps us reset our anchor, not in outcomes, but in the faithfulness of Jesus.
Pray: Anchor me in Your hope, Lord, and steady my heart as I wait on You.
Contemplate: What are you anchoring your hope for today? How well is it holding? And, is there anything you can do to strengthen it?
Read the passage slowly and carefully at least twice with a brief moment of silence between each reading. Ask the question, What words or phrases stand out to you?
Reflect: Image an anchor. Specifically, the purpose and use. Hope is not just a feeling, but it’s an anchor. It holds us when life is stormy and unsteady. It plants us in calm seas to enjoy the stillness. Advent helps us reset our anchor, not in outcomes, but in the faithfulness of Jesus.
Pray: Anchor me in Your hope, Lord, and steady my heart as I wait on You.
Contemplate: What are you anchoring your hope for today? How well is it holding? And, is there anything you can do to strengthen it?
End of Week Reflection
Using the space below or on a separate paper, answer this question: Looking back on this week, where have you seen even the smallest signs of hope? And how is God inviting you to carry that hope forward into next week?