What the Bible Says About Advent - 29 Days of Advent MeditationsSample

Week 1: The Hope Candle – God’s Promise of Redemption

The first Advent candle represents hope, reflecting God’s promises and the anticipation of Christ’s coming. This week’s devotions explore the theme of hope through God’s covenant faithfulness.

Day 1: Hope in God’s Covenant with Abraham

• Verses:
  • Genesis 12:2–3: "I will make you into a great nation, and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing... all peoples on earth will be blessed through you."
  • Genesis 15:5: "Look up at the sky and count the stars—if indeed you can count them... So shall your offspring be."
  • Galatians 3:16: "The promises were spoken to Abraham and to his seed... meaning one person, who is Christ."
  • Romans 4:20–21: "Yet he did not waver through unbelief regarding the promise of God... being fully persuaded that God had power to do what he had promised."
  • Hebrews 11:8–10: "By faith Abraham... was looking forward to the city with foundations, whose architect and builder is God."
• Reflection:

God’s covenant with Abraham marked the dawn of His redemptive plan, a promise that stretches from a starry sky to the birth of Christ. Abraham’s faith in God’s word sustained him through uncertainty, offering a hope that transcends time. This same hope anchors us today, as we trust in the fulfillment of Christ’s first coming and anticipate His return. It’s a reminder that God’s promises are unbreakable, even when circumstances seem impossible. Our hope rests not in our strength but in God’s unwavering commitment to redeem and restore us.

• Application:
  • Reflect on a promise from God that feels distant in your life.
  • How can Abraham’s example of faith inspire you to trust God’s timing?
  • Can you identify one area where you need to surrender doubt and embrace hope?
  • Journal about a moment when God’s faithfulness surprised you, and let it fuel your expectation for His future promises.
  • Share this hope with someone who needs encouragement, pointing them to God’s steadfast love.
• Prayer:

Lord, strengthen my faith to trust in Your promises, as Abraham did, knowing You are faithful to fulfill them. In Jesus' name. Amen.