The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness, on them has light shone.

(Isaiah 9:2)

The first week of Advent is about hope. God promised his people hope through the prophets and anticipate the fulfillment of that hope in the coming of Jesus Christ, the Light of the World.

DIVINE HOPE

How does the prophecy in Isaiah 9:2-7 reveal God’s plan to bring hope to a dark world? What does the promise of a “great light” mean for those who are living in darkness?

HUMAN DESPAIR

In what ways have you experienced “darkness” in our world today? Think about how darkness shows up personally, in our communities, or around the world? How does the hope of Christ speak into these situations?

GOSPEL HOPE

The birth of Jesus marks the beginning of the fulfillment of hope. How do you think the gospel offers hope to people today? How can we live as carriers of hope in our daily lives?

AS YOU PREPARE

This week, reflect on the hope you have in Jesus. In which areas of your life do you need to trust him more?

“Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!”

(Luke 2:14)

The birth of Jesus brings the fulfillment of God’s peace to a world full of conflict and unrest. The angels announced "peace on earth" at the birth of Christ, and this peace isn’t just the absence of conflict but a wholeness and reconciliation that Jesus brings between heaven and earth.

DIVINE PEACE

What do you think the angels meant when they declared “peace on earth”? How does Jesus bring peace between people and God? Between heaven and earth?

HUMAN CONFLICT

Where is there a lack of peace today? Think about your inner life and the life around us. How does the peace Jesus offers speak to these areas?

GOSPEL PEACE

How does the message of Jesus’ birth, life, death, and resurrection bring peace into your own heart and life? How can we be agents of peace in a divide and contentious city and world?

AS YOU PREPARE

Consider areas in your life where you long for peace. What steps can you take to invite God’s peace into those areas during this Advent season?

“My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior.”

(Luke 1:46-47)

The third week of Advent is about joy. In the story of Advent, the announcement of Jesus’ birth brings great joy to those who hear it—Mary, Elizabeth, the shepherds, and ultimately, all of creation. The joy of Advent is rooted in the recognition of God’s promises fulfilled and his presence with us in Christ.

DIVINE JOY

In Mary’s song of praise, she rejoices in God’s salvation and faithfulness (Luke 1:46-55). How does this passage reflect the joy that God takes in fulfilling his promises?

HUMAN LONGING

Where do we look for joy today? How do they compare to the joy of Jesus?

GOSPEL JOY

The birth of Jesus is described as “good news of great joy” (Luke 2:10). How does the gospel bring joy to your life? What does it look like to share that joy with others during Advent?

AS YOU PREPARE

Take time this week to reflect on the joy of Christ’s coming into the world. How can you express that joy through worship, service, and relationships this Advent season?

In this the love of God was made manifest among us, that God sent his only Son into the world, so that we might live through him.

(1 John 4:9)

The fourth and final week of Advent is about love. Jesus is the ultimate expression of God’s love. It’s a love that draws us into relationship with him. In Advent, we celebrate God’s love as the foundation for all hope, peace, and joy.

DIVINE LOVE

How does 1 John 4:9-12 describe God’s love for humanity? What is the significance of God sending his Son into the world as an expression of that love?

HUMAN RESPONSE TO LOVE

How do you respond to God’s love? What barriers, fears, or anxieties does his love expose in you?

GOSPEL LOVE

Jesus’ coming into the world is an act of love that we are called to embrace and embody. How can we reflect God’s love to others during this Advent season? What does loving others in the way Christ loves us look like in real space and time?

AS YOU PREPARE

Reflect on how the love of God has changed your life. In what ways can you show Christ’s love to others this week, especially to those who may not know the love of Christ?