Advent
Waiting is hard. Think of how you feel when you are waiting for the first day of school, a new job, or presents on your birthday. You’re excited, nervous, and definitely a little impatient. You just wish that day would come already! This is how the people of Israel felt. For hundreds of years, Israel waited for their coming King - a Savior who would restore wholeness and bring peace to a broken people group (Isaiah 9:6). Generations came and went before Jesus was born. Every year, the church reflects on this time of waiting. We call this season Advent (which means “coming”). In this guide, you will look back and learn what it was like to wait for Jesus, and how to look ahead as we wait now for the new and better Kingdom established for us in heaven.
Inside The Guide
The Advent Guide is broken up into four weeks. Read below for a small insight into each week.
Hope
Israel had hope of a coming King because of the promises given to them through prophecies. They had their moments of doubt, but still clung to hope that God would fulfill His promise of a Messiah. Even in our doubt, Jesus is our hope.
Peace
The uniqueness of Advent is even though we are waiting, we know what is at the end - a new, better Kingdom that restores all things to wholeness. Scripture tells us time and time again we do not have to worry about what is coming - Jesus is our Prince of Peace.
Joy
After generations of hardship, the coming of Jesus brought joy to everyone who heard and believed. What had been foretold was now coming to reality, even though it cost them something in the process. We will receive the fulfillment of His promises, too. Jesus, our joy.
Love
Jesus was sent because of the love of God and His desire to save us. It was humble, it was shocking, it was countercultural, and it changed the world. Jesus coming to earth teaches us to love others, even if it costs us something. We love because Jesus is love.