Preparing for Advent

The Meaning of Advent

Dictionary Definition: A Coming or Arrival.

Rooted in the Hebrew Concept of Messiah

The Story of Israel

Psalm 137
Jeremiah 31:23ff

Savior/Redeemer Figure
Isaiah 9:1-7
Jeremiah 23:5-6

A Well Developed Eschatology

Matthew 2:6

Preparing the Way

A voice of one calling: In the desert prepare

the way for the Lord; make straight in the
wilderness a highway for our God.

Isaiah 40: 3

How does your family prepare for Christmas?

How does your family prepare for Advent?
How do you prepare yourself daily for the arrival
of the Christ child?

Weekly Themes in Advent

Week One: Hope

Week Two: Peace

Week Three: Joy

Week Four: Love

Week One

The Candle of Hope

Isaiah 9:2
O Come O Come, Immanuel

O Come, O Come, Immanuel and ransom captive Israel.

That mourns in lonely exile here. Before the Son of
God appear. Rejoice, Rejoice! Immanuel. Shall come
to thee O Israel.

What other themes/verses of hope in Scripture can

you identify?

Week Two

The Candle of Peace

Isaiah 9:6-7
It Came Upon a Midnight Clear

It came upon a midnight clear. That glorious song of

old. From angels bending near the earth to touch their
harps of gold. Peace on the earth, good will to men,
from heavens all gracious king. The world in solemn
stillness lay to hear the angels sing.

What other themes/verses of peace in Scripture can

you identify?

Week Three

The Candle of Joy

Luke 2:8-11
Joy to the World

Joy to the world, the Lord is come. Let earth receive

her king. Let every heart prepare him room. And
heaven and nature sing. And heaven and nature sing.
And heaven and heaven and nature sing.

What other themes/verses of joy can you identify

in Scripture?

Week Four

The Candle of Love

John 3:16
Love Came Down at Christmas (109 BH)

Love came down at Christmas, love all lovely, love

divine. Love was born at Christmas. Star and angel
gave the sign.

What other themes/verses of love can you identify

in Scripture?

Discussion Questions

How has your family paid attention to Advent in

the past?
What is your favorite part of Advent? (Candles,
singing, devoting, fellowship, sermons, personal
reflection, etc.) Why?
The Israelites were waiting for a Messiah to release
them from bondage. How does the story of Israel,
awaiting a Messiah, parallel our own spiritual
condition, then and now? How is Israels story the
story of every person on earth?

A Prayer for Advent

Your face is shining on us, O God, in the young

woman who is with child. She will bear a son and
name him Emmanuel, God with us. Your presence
shall thereafter be a source of comfort and guidance
to all that call on your name. Your footsteps will
accompany us, your breath will give us new life, your
arms will console us, and your hands will be there to
welcome us home. You are a God for all seasons and
give us all reason to worship you. The advent of our
Salvation is near. Come Lord Jesus.