Advent: A Season of Hope and Preparation
Summary
The first Sunday of Advent marks a season of expectant waiting and hopeful preparation for the arrival of Jesus Christ. Advent, which began in the 4th century AD, is a time for the church to prepare for both the birth of Jesus and His second coming. As we light the first purple candle, the candle of promised hope, we remember God's promises to deliver His people and the promise made to Mary and Joseph that Jesus would save His people from their sins. This season reminds us that even in a world that seems dark and cold, the light of Christ has come, and we are called to be people of hope.
Advent is a time to embrace hope, much like the excitement and anticipation children feel as they count down to Christmas. This hope is not just about presents and festivities but points to something much greater—Jesus' birth brings hope for purpose, meaning, significance, forgiveness, and wholeness. These gifts are available to us today when we place our faith in Jesus. The signs of God, like the prophecy in Isaiah about a virgin giving birth to a son named Emmanuel, remind us that God is with us, and nothing is impossible with Him.
The story of Jesus is bookended by His birth and His sacrifice on the cross. His birth fulfills the Old Testament prophecies, and His death and resurrection confirm our hope. Jesus' sacrifice offers us freedom from sin and the promise of eternal life. This Christmas, we are reminded of the privilege we have to share this hope with others. Like David Livingstone, who saw his missionary work as a privilege rather than a sacrifice, we are called to serve and sacrifice for others, sharing the hope we have found in Christ.
As we reflect on the Advent season, let us consider how we can offer hope to those around us. Whether through acts of kindness, words of encouragement, or sacrificial giving, we have the opportunity to spread the light of Christ in a world that desperately needs it. May the hope of Christmas fill our hearts and inspire us to be beacons of light and hope in our communities.
Key Takeaways:
1. Advent as a Season of Hopeful Preparation: Advent is a time of expectant waiting and preparation for both the birth of Jesus and His second coming. It reminds us that even in a dark world, the light of Christ has come, and we are called to be people of hope. [26:56]
2. The Significance of God's Promises: The prophecy of a virgin giving birth to Emmanuel, God with us, is a powerful reminder of God's promises. These signs of God working in our lives often manifest in ways we cannot produce on our own, filling us with hope. [49:39]
3. The Birth and Sacrifice of Jesus: Jesus' birth fulfills Old Testament prophecies, and His sacrifice on the cross confirms our hope. His life and death offer us freedom from sin and the promise of eternal life, inspiring us to share this hope with others. [59:51]
4. Sharing Hope with Others: Like David Livingstone, we are called to see our service and sacrifice for others as a privilege. This Christmas, we have the opportunity to spread the hope of Christ through acts of kindness and generosity. [01:03:30]
5. Embracing the Promise of Emmanuel: The name Emmanuel, meaning God with us, assures us that God is present in our lives. This knowledge should inspire hope and remind us that nothing is impossible with God. [56:54]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [26:56] - Advent: A Season of Expectant Waiting
- [27:34] - Lighting the Candle of Promised Hope
- [28:43] - The Light of Christ in a Dark World
- [41:26] - Embracing the Joy of Christmas
- [42:19] - Preparing for Jesus' Second Coming
- [43:13] - The Urgency of Readiness
- [44:19] - The World's Desperate Search for a Savior
- [45:38] - The True Meaning of Christmas
- [48:27] - Gifts of Hope Available Today
- [49:39] - The Prophecy of Emmanuel
- [51:28] - Signs of God in Our Lives
- [53:46] - The Impossibility Made Possible
- [54:30] - God with Us: The Hope We Need
- [56:54] - The Fulfillment of Prophecies
- [59:51] - Jesus' Sacrifice and Our Hope
- [01:03:30] - Sharing Hope with the World
- [01:06:17] - Offering Hope to Others
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Isaiah 7:14 - "Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel."
2. Romans 5:8 - "But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us."
3. Isaiah 53:5 - "But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed."
#### Observation Questions
1. What is the significance of the first purple candle lit during Advent, and what does it symbolize? [27:34]
2. How does the sermon describe the world's current state and its need for a savior? [44:19]
3. What are the gifts mentioned in the sermon that are available to us today because of Jesus' birth? [48:27]
4. How does the sermon illustrate the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies through Jesus' birth and sacrifice? [59:51]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the prophecy in Isaiah 7:14 about a virgin giving birth to Emmanuel inspire hope in believers today? [49:39]
2. In what ways does the sermon suggest that Jesus' sacrifice on the cross confirms our hope? [59:51]
3. How does the concept of "God with us" (Emmanuel) challenge or comfort believers in their daily lives? [56:54]
4. What does the sermon imply about the role of believers in sharing the hope of Christ with others, and how is this related to the example of David Livingstone? [01:03:30]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt the world was dark and cold. How did the light of Christ bring hope to your situation? [28:43]
2. The sermon encourages us to embrace hope like children waiting for Christmas. How can you cultivate a childlike faith and excitement for the Advent season in your life? [47:10]
3. Consider the prophecy of Emmanuel, "God with us." How does this assurance affect your perspective on challenges you are currently facing? [53:46]
4. The sermon mentions the gifts of purpose, meaning, significance, forgiveness, and wholeness. Which of these gifts do you feel most in need of right now, and how can you seek it through your faith in Jesus? [48:27]
5. How can you practically share the hope of Christ with someone in your community this Christmas season? Think of specific acts of kindness or words of encouragement you can offer. [01:06:17]
6. Reflect on the example of David Livingstone, who saw his missionary work as a privilege rather than a sacrifice. How can you adopt a similar mindset in your service to others? [01:03:30]
7. What is one specific way you can be a beacon of light and hope in your community this week? Consider writing it down and committing to it. [01:09:25]
Devotional
Day 1: Advent as a Season of Expectant Hope
Advent is a time of expectant waiting and preparation for both the birth of Jesus and His second coming. It is a season that calls believers to embrace hope, even in a world that often feels dark and cold. The lighting of the first purple candle, the candle of promised hope, serves as a reminder of God's promises to deliver His people. This hope is not just about the anticipation of Christmas festivities but points to the greater reality of Jesus' birth, which brings hope for purpose, meaning, significance, forgiveness, and wholeness. As we journey through Advent, we are reminded that the light of Christ has come, and we are called to be people of hope. [26:56]
Isaiah 60:1-2 (ESV): "Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you. For behold, darkness shall cover the earth, and thick darkness the peoples; but the Lord will arise upon you, and his glory will be seen upon you."
Reflection: In what specific ways can you bring the light of hope into a situation or relationship that feels dark or challenging this week?
Day 2: The Significance of God's Promises
The prophecy of a virgin giving birth to Emmanuel, God with us, is a powerful reminder of God's promises. These signs of God working in our lives often manifest in ways we cannot produce on our own, filling us with hope. The name Emmanuel assures us that God is present in our lives, and this knowledge should inspire hope and remind us that nothing is impossible with God. As we reflect on the promises of God, we are encouraged to trust in His faithfulness and to look for signs of His presence in our daily lives. [49:39]
Jeremiah 33:14-16 (ESV): "Behold, the days are coming, declares the Lord, when I will fulfill the promise I made to the house of Israel and the house of Judah. In those days and at that time I will cause a righteous Branch to spring up for David, and he shall execute justice and righteousness in the land."
Reflection: What is one promise from God that you are holding onto in this season? How can you actively look for signs of His presence in your life today?
Day 3: The Birth and Sacrifice of Jesus
Jesus' birth fulfills Old Testament prophecies, and His sacrifice on the cross confirms our hope. His life and death offer us freedom from sin and the promise of eternal life. The story of Jesus is bookended by His birth and His sacrifice, reminding us of the depth of God's love for us. This Christmas, we are reminded of the privilege we have to share this hope with others. As we reflect on the significance of Jesus' birth and sacrifice, we are inspired to live lives that reflect His love and to share the hope we have found in Christ with those around us. [59:51]
Hebrews 9:28 (ESV): "So Christ, having been offered once to bear the sins of many, will appear a second time, not to deal with sin but to save those who are eagerly waiting for him."
Reflection: How can you intentionally share the hope of Jesus' birth and sacrifice with someone in your life this week? What practical steps can you take to do so?
Day 4: Sharing Hope with Others
Like David Livingstone, who saw his missionary work as a privilege rather than a sacrifice, we are called to serve and sacrifice for others, sharing the hope we have found in Christ. This Christmas, we have the opportunity to spread the hope of Christ through acts of kindness and generosity. As we reflect on the Advent season, let us consider how we can offer hope to those around us. Whether through acts of kindness, words of encouragement, or sacrificial giving, we have the opportunity to spread the light of Christ in a world that desperately needs it. [01:03:30]
1 Peter 4:10 (ESV): "As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace."
Reflection: Identify one person or group in your community who could use a gesture of hope this week. What specific action can you take to serve or encourage them?
Day 5: Embracing the Promise of Emmanuel
The name Emmanuel, meaning God with us, assures us that God is present in our lives. This knowledge should inspire hope and remind us that nothing is impossible with God. As we embrace the promise of Emmanuel, we are encouraged to trust in God's presence and to live with the assurance that He is with us in every circumstance. This Advent season, let us be reminded of the hope that comes from knowing that God is with us and that His promises are true. [56:54]
Zephaniah 3:17 (ESV): "The Lord your God is in your midst, a mighty one who will save; he will rejoice over you with gladness; he will quiet you by his love; he will exult over you with loud singing."
Reflection: In what area of your life do you need to be reminded of God's presence and power? How can you invite Him into that area today and trust in His promise to be with you?
Quotes
"We light it. It is this candle because promises are made by God in his word. That he would send someone to deliver his people from their troubles. He also made a promise to Mary and to Joseph. That Mary would have a son. And his name would be called Jesus. Absolutely my boy. Because he would save his people from their sins." [00:27:43] (28 seconds)
"Let us remember that even though our world seems dark and cold. We know. We know that the light of Christ has come. Amen. The face of our Lord will shine. And we shall be saved. We are called church to be people of hope." [00:28:34] (30 seconds)
"We love it because it is a season of preparing us, God's people, to fully embrace the birth of Jesus Christ, the true meaning of Christmas. But also, it is a time for us to prepare ourselves for His second coming." [00:42:19] (23 seconds)
"As fun as it is, to wait, to open presents on Christmas day, the bigger picture behind Christmas, is that because of Jesus' birth, we have hope, that our greatest desires, and I'm not talking about, the latest electronic gadget, young people, or toys, for our children, or ladies, I hate to tell it, tell you, more than jewelry." [00:48:52] (32 seconds)
"The virgin, will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him, Emmanuel. You see, the signs of God, give us hope. The people of God, in the Old Testament, were waiting. With hope. For God, to fulfill his promise. To bless them, and through them, to bless the entire world." [00:49:39] (28 seconds)
"Now the signs of God, working in your life, will often be things, that you cannot produce, on your own. Have you had signs like that, in your life? When something has happened, and you've gone, how did that happen? Well, hopefully you went, wow, that must have been God." [00:51:28] (21 seconds)
"When the angel, Gabriel visited Mary, this is what he said to her. For nothing, will be impossible, for God. I thought I'd get an amen to that. Come on, church. Get into the Christmas spirit. Nothing." [00:53:46] (19 seconds)
"God did not come to us because we deserved it. He did not come to us because we earned it. He came to us because He loves us. And He knows we cannot get out of the mess of sin on our own." [00:56:54] (19 seconds)
"Though you and I are deserving of death and the penalty of all the sinful things we have done, Jesus took him all on himself. And my friends today your hope, your hope of healing, your hope of freedom, your hope of wholeness and even your hope for eternal life, is made possible because of Jesus." [01:01:40] (29 seconds)
"May we be so overwhelmed with gratitude that we are compelled to serve and to sacrifice for others as a way of sharing our hope with the world. Our servant King, Jesus, has been born and He has given us an example to follow." [01:05:25] (28 seconds)
"Father God, help us to be people of hope. In a world of hopelessness, people of light, in a dark world. Help each one of us that one thing we have written down. Help us to do that this week." [01:08:43] (24 seconds)
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