Years ago, I was asked by a church to lead a four-week Advent study. I’ve always loved the ritual of the Advent candle lighting, so for the study I decided to explore where does the Bible mention hope, peace, joy, and love. Each Sunday in Advent, we met and opened our Bibles together. It was such a rich experience that I’d love to do that again here on my blog. Each Monday morning, I’ll share Scriptures for the next week of Advent. I do my sharing a week early to help out any clergy friends in need of inspiration. Bring your Bibles and read through the Scriptures listed.
I’ll invite us all to reflect on these questions-
What surprised you about how and where hope/peace/joy/love is mentioned in the Bible?
Where do you find hope/peace/joy/love this Advent season?
How will you share hope/peace/joy/love this Advent season?
And since Advent begins on Sunday, we’ll start right away with hope.
Hope
But this I call to mind, and therefore I have hope:
The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases, his mercies never come to an end;
they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.
‘The Lord is my portion,’ says my soul, ‘therefore I will hope in him.’
The Lord is good to those who wait for him, to the soul that seeks him.
Lamentation 3:21-25
Psalm 33:18, 22- God’s eye is on those who hope in God’s steadfast love.
Psalm 39:7 – My hope is in the Lord.
Psalm 42: 1-5 – My soul longs for God. God is my hope.
Psalm 71: 5, 14 – “I will hope continually.”
Jeremiah 17: 5-13 – verse 7 trust can be translated as hope. Hope/trust?
Romans 4:13-25 – Abraham’s hope
1 Corinthians 13:13 – faith, hope, and love abide
What surprised you about how and where hope is mentioned in the Bible?
Where do you find hope this Advent season?
How will you share hope this Advent season?
