Advent is a season of waiting. We remember the centuries that God’s people waited for the promised messiah. And though we celebrate the fulfillment of this promise in the birth of Jesus at Christmas, we are still waiting today. In a world that is broken and in need of restoration, we wait for the day the Father has determined when Jesus will return and complete the work that began with his birth, life, death and resurrection.
But we do not wait alone. God has come to be with us in Jesus and is present in and among us by the Holy Spirit. And while we wait, we cultivate the characteristics of an advent people.
In a world of despair and confusion, we practice hope.
In a world of anxiety and fear, we practice peace.
In a world of surface distraction, we practice joy.
In a world of self-centeredness, we practice love.
During this season of darkness, cold and sickness, we will reflect on what it means to wait patiently for the Lord (Ps. 40:1).
Reading Plan:
11/23-29: Hope
- Matthew 1:1-17
- Matthew 1:18-25
- Matthew 2:13-23
- Romans 5:1-5; 8:18-25
- Colossians 1:15-27; Hebrews
6:17-19 11/30 – 12/6: Peace
- Isaiah 7:14; 9:1-7
- Isaiah 11:1-10
- Micah 5:2-9
- Luke 2:8-20
- Philippians 4:4-9; Colossians 3:12-17
12/7-13: Joy
- Psalm 98
- Luke 1:26-38
- Luke 1:39-56
- John 16:16-24
- I Peter 1:3-12
12/14-20: Love
- John 3:16-21
- I John 1:1 – 2:2
- I John 3:16-18; 4:1-6
- I John 4:7-21
- I John 5:1-12
12/21-27:(Candlelight Gathering – 12/24)
- Matthew 2:1-12
- Luke 2:1-20
- Luke 2:21-40
- John 1:1-18
- Hebrews 1:1-4; 2:5-18
No Gathering onSunday, December 27.
