Practices Of AdventSample

Welcome to the Blackhawk Church Practices of Advent Reading Plan

Advent is a season observed in many Christian churches as a time of expectant waiting and preparation starting with the fourth Sunday before Christmas day, focused around the themes of Hope, Peace, Joy, and Love. 

The word advent comes from the Latin, adventus, meaning "coming." It is a season to prepare for the coming of Christ in various aspects: the promised coming of the Messiah to the Jews, the coming of Jesus being born in Bethlehem, the promised return of the risen Christ in final victory and the continual coming of Christ into the lives and hearts of believers. 

This Advent reading plan reflects the breadth of that scope, including passages from both the Old and New Testaments. The readings are focused around each of the four themes and how they are connected to God’s gift to us in Jesus, beginning with the first week’s readings centered on hope.  

In a season that is often characterized by the hustle and bustle of holiday celebrations, shopping, lights and decorations, it is our hope and desire that this reading plan will provide you with an opportunity to pause and be centered as you practice the themes. May it be a daily invitation to be in Scripture and remember and reflect on the gift that God has provided in Jesus Christ – meeting our own longing for, and need of, forgiveness, salvation and a new beginning.