Advent Hope: Preparing Our Hearts for Christ's Coming

Devotional

Day 1: God's favor brings hope to the lowly

The story of Mary shows that God chooses people not for their status but for the posture of their hearts; a poor, young, occupied-peoples' girl was called "highly favored" so that hope would spring from unexpected places, reminding you that God's promises attach to promise-keepers, not to outward circumstance—so receive the invitation to hope for something larger than yourself today. [35:57]

Luke 1:26-38 (NIV)
In the sixth month of Elizabeth’s pregnancy, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. The angel went to her and said, "Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you." Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. But the angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God. You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over Jacob’s descendants forever; his kingdom will never end." "How will this be," Mary asked the angel, "since I am a virgin?" The angel answered, "The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God. Even Elizabeth your relative is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be unable to conceive is in her sixth month. For nothing is impossible with God." "I am the Lord’s servant," Mary answered. "May your word to me be fulfilled." Then the angel left her.

Reflection: Who in your life or community seems least likely to carry God's favor? Name one person and ask God to show you how to believe for hope on their behalf today—then take one concrete step to encourage them this week.

Day 2: The Word became flesh—God's presence among us

The incarnation declares that God did not stay distant but moved into human life so that his light could dwell among the living; the manger and the wreaths remind the church that God's presence brings healing, light, and an invitation to live under his reign now as well as to await his coming again. [46:30]

John 1:14 (NIV)
The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.

Reflection: Where do you need God's presence to "dwell among" you this week (home, work, grief, joy)? Choose one place, pause for five minutes each day this week, and invite the Word to make his dwelling there through prayer and Scripture.

Day 3: Know Christ through resurrection power and experience

Faith is more than facts; Paul’s desire to know Christ includes encountering the power that raised Jesus from the dead—an invitation to expect life-changing, present experience of God's resurrection power that transforms daily struggles into newness and courage. [49:30]

Philippians 3:10 (NIV)
I want to know Christ—yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death,

Reflection: Identify one recurring struggle (fear, habit, shame). This week, pray daily asking specifically to experience the resurrection power over that struggle, then take one practical action (call someone, attend a meeting, remove a trigger) that demonstrates trust in that power today.

Day 4: Pray with dependence—daily bread and God's will

The Lord's Prayer models coming to God with humble dependence: asking for daily provision, forgiveness, and guidance rather than bargaining for signs; it trains believers to cast cares on the Father who delights when his children come with expectation and trust. [22:09]

Matthew 6:9-13 (NIV)
"This, then, is how you should pray: "'Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.'"

Reflection: Tonight, before bed, write down one specific need for "daily bread" (practical or spiritual). Pray the Lord's Prayer aloud, then write one next-day step you will take to steward God’s provision toward that need.

Day 5: No condemnation for those united to Christ

One of the gospel promises is freedom from condemnation for those in Christ; that promise removes the weight of guilt and shame so you can come to God as a child who expects kindness and restoration rather than punishment. [55:06]

Romans 8:1 (NIV)
Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus,

Reflection: Is there a particular shame or regret you have carried without handing it to God? Bring that specific memory or label to the cross today in prayer, name it aloud, and claim Romans 8:1 as you let it go—then share this step with a trusted friend or pastor this week.

Sermon Summary

Advent turns everyday sights into invitations to worship. I reminded us that wreaths, trees, and lights point to the One whose reign has no end—the evergreen life of Jesus that outlasts every season. We prayed over our decorations, our needs, and our gathering, asking the Spirit to make us attentive to Christ’s presence in faces, songs, words, and prayers. We then sat with Luke 1:26–38, where Gabriel calls Mary “highly favored.” Her circumstances didn’t look favored at all: a poor, oppressed, young girl in a backwater town. Yet God chose her—not because of position, but because He knew her heart.

Mary’s honest question—“How will this be?”—was not unbelief demanding proof, but trust seeking instruction. That posture is different from Zechariah’s “How can I be sure?” We explored how hope grows when we take God at His word and ask, “What do I do next?” Advent hope is layered: personal (my life caught up in something larger), communal (God’s mercy for our people), and global (the Messiah for the nations). We look back to the manger and forward to Christ’s return, but we also look for His coming into our lives right now. If all we have is memory and speculation, we miss the meal laid out in front of us.

I urged us to want more than mere knowledge about Jesus. Paul longed to know Christ and the power of His resurrection. Too often, we nibble one slice and leave a whole pie untouched on the table—peace beyond understanding, victory over sin, freedom from condemnation, the nearness of God. Biblical hope isn’t a wish; it’s confidence anchored in God’s promises. So come like children to a good Father. Open the Scriptures, learn what He has actually promised, and ask boldly. Advent is an invitation to receive—Christ’s presence, Christ’s power, Christ’s gifts—so we can carry His hope into a waiting world.

Key Takeaways

1. Hardship isn’t distance from God Mary’s poverty, youth, and oppression did not disqualify her; they became the backdrop for God’s favor to shine. We misread people when we assume outward circumstances reflect spiritual standing. God sees the heart and often chooses the unlikely so His grace is unmistakable. Do not let your situation tell you what God can or cannot do. [38:47]
2. Ask for instruction, not proof Mary trusted God’s word and asked “how” so she could respond; Zechariah demanded assurance and was silenced. Faith moves toward obedience, seeking clarity to participate rather than certainty to control outcomes. Hope matures when we lean into God’s character and ask, “What does faithful next look like?” [40:56]
3. Hope rests on promises, not wishes Wishes are vague desires; biblical hope is confidence in what God has pledged. Like my class waiting for the promised pies, we don’t need to nag when a promise is sure—we need to remember and receive. Open Scripture, note God’s promises, and pray them back to Him with expectancy. [53:48]
4. Pursue experience as well as knowledge Paul wanted to know Christ and the power that raised Him; truth is meant to be tasted, not just studied. If faith is only intellectual, hope withers; encounter renews it. Ask God to make His presence tangible in your ordinary life this week. [49:30]
5. Advent hope is Christ-with-us now We look back to the manger and ahead to the Second Coming, but hope grows as we welcome Jesus into today’s decisions, fears, and needs. Emmanuel is not a story we admire; He is a King we receive. Ask where He is arriving in your life and respond with surrendered joy. [46:52]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[18:10] - Evergreens and wreaths as witnesses
[19:43] - Blessing decor and lifting needs
[22:09] - The Lord’s Prayer
[34:09] - Reading Luke 1:26–38
[36:50] - “Highly favored” in humble reality
[38:47] - Circumstances don’t prove God’s favor
[39:30] - Mary’s how vs. Zechariah’s doubt
[42:06] - Chosen according to potential
[42:37] - Advent hope expands outward
[45:30] - Two comings shape our hope
[46:52] - Hope lived now, not later
[49:30] - Knowing and experiencing His power
[51:18] - Promises, not wishes; fried pies
[58:14] - Invitation and closing prayer

Bible Study Guide

Bible Reading

Luke 1:26–38 — 26 In the sixth month of Elizabeth’s pregnancy, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, 27 to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. 28 The angel went to her and said, “Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.” 29 Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. 30 But the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God. 31 You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus. 32 He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, 33 and he will reign over Jacob’s descendants forever; his kingdom will never end.” 34 “How will this be,” Mary asked the angel, “since I am a virgin?” 35 The angel answered, “The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God. 36 Even Elizabeth your relative is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be unable to conceive is in her sixth month. 37 For no word from God will ever fail.” 38 “I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May your word to me be fulfilled.” Then the angel left her.

Observation Questions

What titles and promises does Gabriel give about Jesus? Which phrases in the passage make the identity and mission of the child clear? (look for the throne, reign, and “Son of the Most High”)
How does Mary respond at three points in the passage: when greeted, when told she will conceive, and after the angel explains? What words or actions show her emotional and spiritual posture?
The preacher contrasts Mary’s question, “How will this be?” with Zechariah’s demand for proof. What difference in tone and posture does the transcript point out between those two responses? [40:56]
Which line in the passage is the angel’s guarantee that God’s word can be trusted? How does that promise function in the story (and in Mary’s decision)?

Interpretation Questions

How does Mary’s question “How will this be?” function as trust seeking instruction rather than a demand for proof? In what way does the passage show her wanting to participate rather than control? [41:13]
The preacher says God chose Mary “according to potential, not according to present circumstances.” How does the narrative support that claim? What evidence in the text shows God is focused on heart and purpose rather than social status? [38:47]
The sermon describes Advent hope as layered (personal, communal, global). How does Luke 1:26–38 illustrate each of those layers in Mary’s situation and in the angel’s words? [42:37]
Gabriel’s words include a clear promise about the child and the claim that “no word from God will ever fail.” How should that statement shape the church’s confidence in other promises God makes in Scripture?

Application Questions

Identify one promise from Scripture that you have learned about but have not asked God to make real in your life. What is that promise, and what practical step will you take this week to “pray it back” to God and expect him to act? [53:48]
Name a present situation where you’re tempted to demand proof from God instead of asking for instruction. How will you change your posture this week so you ask, “What does faithful next look like?” rather than, “How can I be sure?” [41:13]
Where do you need Jesus to arrive in your life right now (a decision, a fear, a relationship, a grief)? Be specific: what will it look like for you to welcome Emmanuel into that situation this week? [46:52]
Is your faith mostly intellectual (knowing facts) or experiential (seeking the power that raised Christ)? Identify one practice you will try in the next seven days to pursue experience of God’s presence (for example: a guided time of prayer asking for tangible help, a Scripture prayer list, or a short act of obedience to test God’s promise). [49:30]
Think of a person you’ve judged based on outward circumstances (poverty, age, background). How might you ask God to change that assessment and to look for evidence of his favor in their heart? What is one concrete next step (a conversation, a visit, a prayer) you will take? [38:47]
The sermon urged coming to God like a child who trusts a good father. What is one “big ask” you have been holding back because you felt it was too forward or presumptuous? Will you bring that request to God this week with expectancy, and how will you do it (when and how will you pray)? [58:14]

Sermon Clips

Lesson number one, don't ever think that someone's circumstances are an indication of how close they are to God. It might be the exact opposite of what you think. So here we have Mary, and she is told that she is highly favored, and she is told that she is going to have a child. That's kind of confusing to her, isn't it? Seeing as how she's a virgin, that would be confusing. So she asked, how will this be? [00:38:59] (34 seconds) #PeaceBeyondUnderstanding

Did God pick a random 12-year-old girl for this? Or did he know what was in her heart? He knew who he had chosen. Just as when you feel completely incompetent to do whatever it is that you're facing, God knows who he's chosen. He knows what's in your heart. He knows what you're capable of. And he's chosen you according to your potential, not according to your present circumstances. And as he explains this to her, it gives Mary hope. That's our topic for the day. [00:41:55] (45 seconds) #FavorBeyondCircumstance

Because that's what truly brings us hope. That's what gives us the ability to celebrate the first coming. Is to recognize the second coming. And so we celebrate the words of John when he said the word became flesh and dwelt among men in John chapter 1. The word being Jesus Christ. The word became flesh. He became human. And dwelt among men. And so we're celebrating Jesus Christ coming to a manger 2,000 years ago. But that means nothing if you can't celebrate Jesus Christ coming into your life and being a part of your life. [00:46:06] (43 seconds) #ExperienceResurrectionPower

Paul said in the book of Philippians, I want to know Jesus Christ and experience the power that raised him from the dead. So that means our faith is both knowledge-based and experience-based. Do you have hope of experiencing the power that raised Jesus from the dead? Or is it just an intellectual faith? You've learned some facts. You've learned some things to memorize. You can talk good talk. Or do you have hope that Jesus Christ is actively working in your life? [00:49:30] (30 seconds) #ChosenNotByCircumstance

And so she was able to have hope because a promise was made to her. Sometimes I think our hopes that we have in this life are a little bit closer to wishes than hope. How many of you wished that your ball team would have done a little bit better against Florida yesterday? I didn't even wish that Tennessee would have done any better. I'm sorry. I didn't have it. I had no hope there. Some of us wish that different things will happen. But you can only have hope in something that is promised to you. [00:51:23] (41 seconds) #AskBoldlyLikeAChild

So what promises has Christ made about your life? What promises has God given you that sit on that table like the second pumpkin pie and you say, no, I've had enough from God. He's been so nice to me. I don't need anything else. I know I have salvation to be restored with God at the end of the age. I don't need anything now. And yet he's promised you a peace that you can't even figure out, a peace that is not based on your understanding or logic of a situation. [00:53:48] (41 seconds) #PromiseRootedHope

``He has promised that you would not just find victory over the things that plagued your soul, but that you would be more than a conqueror through the power of Jesus Christ. That you would find victory over sin and temptation in your life. Some, coming this morning, weighed down by some guilt and shame of things they've done in the past. Sometimes they ain't even things you did. You just took it upon yourself as though you did it when it actually happened to you. Not you do it. God promises that there is no need for any condemnation. [00:54:28] (47 seconds) #MoreThanConqueror

Coming from God to you, there is no condemnation for those that are in Christ Jesus. We need not let our past weigh us down and entrap us in any way. Are there gifts that you've been promised? Are there things in your life that you should be able to hope for in Christ, but you've left them there? Out of formality, being respectable, not wanting to ask too much of God that He tells you to. How many of you as grandparents want your grandkids not to ask too much of you when they come to sit on your knee at Christmas this year? [00:55:15] (53 seconds) #ExpectGodsPromises

That I wanted them to believe that I could. We have that in God. The only difference is He is the good Father. And He can't provide all that we need. From finances to health. Whatever it might be. Are there things that you've not wanted to ask for? Is there things that you've not wanted to allow yourself to hope for? Thinking that's too pushy. That's too forward. God's asking you to come today as a small child on His lap. And to expect Him to honor His promises. [00:56:48] (46 seconds) #CelebrateChristWithin

God's asking us during this Christmas season to come to Him as a child. With expectation. With joy. With love. With contentment. That we might find Christ. As the choir leads us in our closing song, I want to encourage you to respond however God might be leading you. That you would respond in prayer. And decide to hope for one more thing that's been promised that you've been holding back from. This would be a time to eat that second pie for the Lord. [00:58:01] (40 seconds)

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