Fierce Hope: An Advent Journey of Waiting and Wonderනියැදිය

A few years ago, we moved into a home that allowed my boys to have their own bedrooms. This was new and exciting, and as December rolled around, they both wanted to decorate their spaces—including small, fake Christmas trees. My eldest son’s tree arrived first, and he eagerly set it up. Naturally, my youngest son was ready for his tree to arrive, and we tracked the shipping, seeing that it was coming the next day. That day came and went. Nothing. Waiting is hard for all of us, but there’s a special kind of discomfort for a child watching his brother enjoy what he’s still missing. Once again, we checked the delivery to see that it had been delayed again. But this time, rather than feeling down, I invited my son to choose a different response. Rather than feeling defeated, we could prepare for his tree. We cleared space, vacuumed his room, and laid out his decorations. By the time the tree finally showed up, his room was ready, his heart was expectant, and we both learned that waiting isn’t wasted when we choose to prepare.

The word Advent comes from the Latin adventus, meaning “arrival.” Someone is arriving. As followers of Jesus, we live in the tension of waiting expectantly for His return one day. But until then, there is much to learn from His first arrival—how God prepared the way, and how ordinary people prepared room for Him.

After Mary received the announcement from the angel that she would be with child and carry the Messiah, she made room in her heart for the word that had been spoken. Despite her challenging circumstances, she received it, held it, and was faithful to bear its weight, trusting that the God who planted the promise would also bring it to completion. For us, Mary reminds us that fierce hope often begins with making room in our hearts for what God has spoken. Yet opening our hearts to possibility and promise can feel risky—especially when disappointment has left us wary or guarded.

What would it look like for you to clear space in your heart today to receive a fresh word from God? As we prepare room for Him, we trust that He will fill it—not partially or reluctantly, but fully and faithfully. He comes to meet us exactly where we are.

Joseph is so often overlooked in the Christmas story. His part may seem small, but in reality, he plays a pivotal role. His willingness to obey and trust God—despite the risk to his reputation—reveals that preparing room for God’s work doesn’t stop in our hearts; it must also take shape in our actions. Joseph chose to stay, to protect, and to provide. He cared for Mary, supported her, and stood faithfully by her in the most unusual of circumstances.

Joseph shows us that fierce hope is active. It looks like obedience when it would be easier to walk away. It looks like quiet faithfulness in the face of misunderstanding. It looks like love that costs something.

What would it look like for you to prepare room for Christ’s coming into your life and community by taking action today? Maybe it’s extending forgiveness, practicing generosity, speaking truth with courage, or simply showing up for someone who feels alone.

And then there are the shepherds—humble, ordinary people who were the first to hear heaven’s announcement and come to worship the baby Jesus. Worship in the midst of uncertainty, when the future feels fragile and unclear, is perhaps one of the most powerful ways we prepare for Christ in our lives. To lift our voices in praise and set our gaze on the King when the world feels heavy, discouraging, or overwhelming is an act of fierce hope.

Worship is a way of making room. It shifts our attention from fear to faith, from scarcity to abundance, from ourselves to the Savior. The shepherds’ story invites us to prepare Him room through worship that refuses to be silenced by hardship.

What is your invitation today? As we prepare for Christ to come into our lives here and now, what kind of room is He asking you to make?

• Is it preparing room in your heart—opening yourself to possibility and promise?
• Is it preparing room through action—choosing obedience, generosity, or courage?
• Or is it preparing room through worship—lifting your eyes above the weight of the world to adore the King?

Wherever He is calling you, trust that your fierce hope is not in vain. The space you prepare, He will faithfully fill.

Prayer

Lord, like Mary, help me prepare room in my heart to receive Your word. Like Joseph, give me courage to prepare room through faithful action. And like the shepherds, teach me to prepare room through worship and adoration. Fill the space I make with Your presence, and let my life be a dwelling place for You.

Amen.

More Resources for You:

1. Join my mailing list to receive free resources designed to help you pause, breathe, and draw closer to God in the middle of ordinary life. My emails include reflections, spiritual resources, and encouragement—including a free Advent Blessing Guide during the holiday season.
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