About Advent The word "Advent" is derived from the Latin word “coming”. In Christian tradition Advent is a season of expectant waiting and preparation for the coming of Christ. Advent not only pertains to Christmas and the arrival of Jesus to Bethlehem as a baby, but also relates to the second coming of Christ, the hope, and the call to preparation that this instills in our hearts. The Latin word "adventus" is the translation of the Greek word "parousia", which is used throughout the New Testament to refer to the second coming of Christ. Christian celebrations preceding Christmas dates all the way back to the 5th century. Though many different expressions of the Christian faith have embraced Advent, the majority focus attention preparing for the Second Coming, while also commemorating the First Coming of Christ at Christmas. Some classic traditions that accompany Advent include the keeping of an Advent calendar, lighting of an advent wreath and praying through an Advent devotional. At Emmanuel, we like to pray through an Advent Devotional. So enjoy reading the designated scripture each day, taking time to reflect and pray, while you prepare your heart for Christmas and the Second Coming of Christ!
Day 1 12/03/23
Day 2 12/04/23
Day 3 12/05/23 HOPE FOR THE FUTURE Read: Genesis 15:1-6 Today, we get to experience the great faith of Abram. Though he was old and had no children, Abram believed God when he promised that Abram would have more descendants than stars in the sky. Abram’s faith in God gave him hope for the future. We can also be filled with hope when we believe what God has promised to us. He has given us great and precious promises as his children. We can share what we believe to those around us, giving them hope as well. “Then the Lord said to him, ‘No, your servant will not be your heir, for you will have a son of your own who will be your heir.’” Genesis 15:4 (NLT) As you ponder God’s promises to you, begin to praise him for his faithfulness and mercy. Prayer: Lord, thank you for the hope that we have because of your promises to us. Help us to have unwavering faith like Abram.
Day 4 12/06/23
Day 5 12/07/23 HEIRS OF THE PROMISE Read: Galatians 3:23-29 In this passage, our identity as a child of God is made clear. When we come into relationship with the Father, he brings us to a place of kinship with Christ, a fellow heir to God’s promise. Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross ushers us into the Kingdom family and we become God’s children. We can face the challenges of this life with the security that comes from having a Heavenly Father. He has given us an inheritance that is rich beyond measure and his Holy Spirit is with us always. We can walk in trust and bring everything to him, trusting that he loves us. “And now that you belong to Christ, you are the true children of Abraham. You are his heirs, and God’s promise to Abraham belongs to you.” Galatians 3:29 (NLT) As you ponder the richness of your inheritance, you can begin to claim the promises of God as your own. Prayer: Lord, thank you for the gift of your son and for calling me your child. Help me to live as an heir to the promise. Amen.
Day 6 12/08/23
Day 7 12/09/23 PATIENT ENDURANCE Read: James 5:7-10 In today’s reading, we receive encouragement to patiently endure as we wait for the coming of the Lord Jesus. We are certain to have times of suffering, but we can look forward with courage just like the prophets of old did when they faced hardship. They patiently endured as they waited on the Lord. As we wait for the Lord to return, we can choose to be patient with those around us and endure the hardships we face with gratitude. We can stop grumbling and lean in to the Lord for strength. James 5:10 (NLT) "For examples of patience in suffering, dear brothers and sisters, look at the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord.” As you remember how patient God is with you, you can choose to exhibit patience with the people that you come into contact with today. Prayer: Lord, as I wait for the return of your son, Jesus, please fill me with the patient endurance I need to run the good race of faith. Amen.
Day 8 12/10/23
Day 9 12/11/23 THE PROMISED KING Read: Micah 5:2-5a In the reading for today, a prophecy of the coming messiah fills us with expectation. The promised King, who will lead with the strength and majesty of God, is coming to reign. He will be the source of peace and he will rescue all those who have been exiled, bringing them home. Peace can be ours today because of the Promised King. Jesus will return soon, bringing with him a kingdom that will never end. We can declare his peace over every part of our lives. Micah 5:5 (NLT) “And he will be the source of peace.” As you wait on the Lord to return, you can pray for others to find the peace of God in their lives. Prayer: Lord, I wait with expectancy for the Promised King to return. Please fill me with your peace until that day dawns. Amen.
Day 10 12/12/23
Day 11 12/13/23 RETURN TO THE LORD Read: Hosea 6:1-6 Today, the prophet implores that we return to the Lord so that He may restore a right relationship with us. God loves us and desires that we love him above all else. His correction in our lives is good for us and is intended to draw us closer to him. As we plan our schedules this week, we can seek the Father, intentionally creating space to spend time with him through praying and his Word. We can prioritize him amidst the busy season. “I want you to show love, not offer sacrifices. I want you to know me more than I want burnt offerings.” Hosea 6:6 (NLT) As you make time for your Savior, you can examine the desires of your heart and invite Jesus to take the position of number one. Prayer: Lord, I want you to be my greatest desire. Help me to return to you and draw closer to you. Amen.
Day 12 12/14/23
Day 13 12/15/23 THE RIGHTEOUS BRANCH Read: Jeremiah 23:3-6 In this passage, the prophet proclaims that a Branch from King David’s line will rise up and rule with righteousness. Jesus is that branch, symbolizing that he will be our Messiah. We can be assured that our Savior is just and will do what is right. As we begin to understand the righteousness of Jesus, we can trust him to act on our behalf. We do not need to seek revenge or payback of any kind when we are wronged on earth, for our Messiah will take care of us. Jeremiah 23:5b (NLT) “He will be a King who rules with wisdom. He will do what is just and right throughout the land” As you think about the righteousness of Jesus, begin to hand him your toughest situations and ask him to right all of the wrongs. Prayer: Lord, help me to trust you as the Righteous Branch. Thank you for being wise and doing what is right and just. Amen
Day 14 12/16/23
Day 15 12/17/23 PREPARE THE WAY Read: Isaiah 40:1-11 In today’s scripture, the Lord is about to reveal himself to his chosen people after a period of hiding himself from them for their disobedience. The Psalmist seeks to comfort them because of what they have endured and encourage them to clear the way for the coming Savior. Their messiah will be both gentle and powerful. We can prepare our hearts and unclutter our minds during this season so the Lord can fill us up with his glory. Not only can we make room, but we can make sure our lives are in alignment with his Word - making a straight pathway for him to enter. Isaiah 40:3b (NLT) “”Clear the way through the wilderness for the Lord! Make a straight highway through the wasteland for our God!” As you prepare the way for the Lord in your heart, you can renounce the things in your life that are not pleasing to him. Prayer: Lord, help me to prepare the way for you to fill my heart and my mind. Make me new. Amen.
Day 16 12/18/23
Day 17 12/19/23 THE CHOSEN SERVANT Read: Isaiah 49:1-7 In the passage for today the focus is on the Chosen Servant of the Lord, Jesus. He is described as faithful, a weapon of truth, and filled with God’s strength. As the servant, he will bring salvation to the ends of the earth. At first Jesus will be rejected, but because of the Sovereign Lord, he will reign forever. We are called to be servants of the Lord. We can humbly ask God to accomplish his purposes in us and use us however he needs for his glory. We can be willing to do whatever he requires of us, even if the world rejects us for it. Isaiah 49:3 “You are my servant, Israel, and you will bring me glory.” As you offer your life to the Lord, ask him for opportunities to serve those around you and meet the needs of others in practical ways. Prayer: Lord, make me a servant like Jesus was. Use me to bring your salvation to the ends of the earth and bring glory to your name. Amen.
Day 18 12/20/23
Day 19 12/21/23 IMMANUEL, GOD WITH US Read: Matthew 1:18-25 In today’s passage, we witness the miraculous birth of the Messiah to Mary and Joseph. Conceived through the power of the Holy Spirit, baby Jesus fulfilled the words of the Prophet, Isaiah. Jesus was Immanuel, God with us. God is still with us today. His Holy Spirit comes and dwells in us when we believe Jesus died for our sins and rose from the dead. The Holy Spirit is given to guide us and lead us into all truth. We can listen to his promptings and obey his nudgings. Matthew 1:23 (NLT) “Look! The virgin will conceive a child! She will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel, which means, ‘God is with us.” As you spend time in prayer, take time to listen for the Spirit’s quiet voice and promptings to you. Prayer: Lord, lead me by the power of your Holy Spirit. Help me to hear your voice. Thank you for always being with me. Amen.
Day 20 12/22/23
Day 21 12/23/23 JESUS IS GREATER Read: Mark 1:1-8 In the scripture for today, John the Baptist is introduced as the one who will prepare the way for the Messiah. Though his role is important, he explains that Jesus is greater. He is so much greater, in fact, that John is not even worthy to untie his sandals. There is no one greater than Jesus. While we do the work God has purposed us to do, we can exalt Jesus and humble ourselves underneath him, willing to give him all the glory. We can consider ourselves to be like a slave to a master. Mark 1:7 (NLT) “Someone is coming soon who is greater than I am - so much greater that I’m not worthy to stoop down like a slave and untie the straps of his sandals.” As you contemplate the greatness of Jesus, you can ask him to use you for his glory. Prayer: Lord, there is no one greater than you. I am not worthy, but please use me to accomplish your purposes. Amen.
Day 22 12/24/23
SPECIAL THANKS TO: Aminta Geisler for writing the Advent Devotionals www.emmanuelcc.org