ADVENT REFLECTION GUIDE

A Special Message

Dear Friend, Let’s prepare our hearts for Jesus this Christmas! The Advent Reflection Guide is a resource for you and your family to prepare your home for Christmas. For four Sundays, we will talk about hope, peace, joy and love.

The guide corresponds with these themes and includes weekly activities, corresponding videos, daily scripture readings, and application questions. Use the QR code to access the video content each week.We are so excited to journey with you!

Together, Pastors Nate and Jodi Ruch

WHAT IS 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.

HOPE THEME VERSE: ROMANS 15:13 NIV “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”

HOPE REFLECTION ACTIVITY: This week, set aside time to read a Bible story together that shows hope, such as the story of Noah and the rainbow (Genesis 9). Afterward, take turns as a family sharing a moment when you each felt hope, even in tough times. Talk about how God’s promises helped Noah, and discuss how they can give us hope today too.

WATCH VIDEOS: Use the QR Code located in the front of the booklet to access this week’s devotional and worship videos (1A & 1B).

WEEK ONE

Day One - Hope READ: ISAIAH 9:6-7 NIV “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. 7 Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever.

The zeal of the Lord Almighty will accomplish this.”

REFLECTION: How does Jesus’ birth fulfill God’s promise of hope to us?

ANTICIPATION: How can we hold onto hope, even when we can’t see the outcome?

PRAYER: “Lord, thank you for the gift of Jesus, who brings hope to our lives. Help us trust in your promises and hold fast to the hope we have in you. Amen.”

Day Two - Hope READ: ROMANS 15:13 NIV “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”

REFLECTION: What does it mean to overflow "by the power of the Holy Spirit"?

ANTICIPATION: How can we allow the Holy Spirit to overflow hope in us and share that hope with others?

PRAYER: “God of hope, fill us with your Spirit so that our lives overflow with hope and joy. Use us to bring hope to those around us. Amen.”

Day Three - Hope READ: JEREMIAH 29:11 NIV “For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

REFLECTION: How does knowing God has a good plan for your future give you hope today?

ANTICIPATION: What are you hoping for in this Advent season, and how can you trust God with that hope?

PRAYER: “Heavenly Father, we trust in your plans for us, knowing they are good. Help us to be patient and full of hope as we wait on you. Amen.”

Day Four - Hope READ: LAMENTATIONS 3:21-24 NIV “Yet this I call to mind and therefore I have hope: 22 Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. 23 They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. 24 I say to myself, “The Lord is my portion; therefore I will wait for him.”

REFLECTION: How have you experienced God's faithfulness in the past?

ANTICIPATION: How does reflecting on God’s past faithfulness give you hope for the future?

PRAYER: “Lord, we remember your faithfulness and place our hope in you. Help us to trust you even in difficult times, knowing that your love never fails. Amen.”

Day Five - Hope READ: 1 PETER 1:3 NIV “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ!

In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead...”

REFLECTION: How does the resurrection of Jesus give us a "living hope"?

ANTICIPATION: In what areas of your life do you need to be reminded of this living hope?

PRAYER: “God, thank you for the living hope we have through the resurrection of Jesus. Renew our hope today as we live in the promise of new life. Amen.”

Day Six - Hope READ: TITUS 2:11-13 NIV “For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. 12 It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, 13 while we wait for the blessed hope—the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ...”

REFLECTION: How does the hope of Christ’s return influence how you live today?

ANTICIPATION: What changes can you make in your daily life to live with greater anticipation of Christ’s return?

PRAYER: “Lord, as we wait for your glorious return, help us to live in a way that honors you. Let our hope in your coming shape our hearts and actions. Amen.”

Day Seven - Hope READ: HEBREWS 10:23 NIV “Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful.”

REFLECTION: What promises of God are you holding onto in this season?

ANTICIPATION: How can you cultivate hope as you trust in God’s faithfulness?

PRAYER: “Faithful God, help us hold tightly to the hope we profess, knowing that you are always faithful to your promises.

Strengthen our faith and our hope in you. Amen.”

PEACE THEME VERSE: JOHN 14:27 “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”

PEACE REFLECTION ACTIVITY: For this week, we encourage you to bake cookies or create a simple homemade gift, like a thoughtful card, and deliver it to a neighbor or friend along with a message of peace. Explain that sharing acts of kindness is one way we can spread God’s peace and love to those around us. Let them know you’re thinking of them and wishing them peace in this season.

WATCH VIDEOS: Use the QR Code located in the front of the booklet to access this week’s devotional and worship videos (2A & 2B).

WEEK TWO

Day One - Peace READ: ISAIAH 26:3 NIV “You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.”

REFLECTION: What does it mean to keep your mind “steadfast” on God? How does that lead to peace?

ANTICIPATION: Where do you need God’s peace in your life this week?

PRAYER: “God of peace, teach us to keep our minds focused on you, trusting in your perfect peace. Help us rest in your presence. Amen.”

Day Two - Peace READ: JOHN 14:27 NIV “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”

REFLECTION: How does the peace Jesus gives differ from the peace the world offers?

ANTICIPATION: How can you cultivate Christ’s peace in your heart, even in times of trouble?

PRAYER: “God of peace, teach us to keep our minds focused on you, trusting in your perfect peace. Help us rest in your presence. Amen.”

Day Three - Peace READ: PHILIPPIANS 4:6-7 NIV “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

REFLECTION: What anxieties can you bring before God today in prayer?

ANTICIPATION: How can you make space in your day for God’s peace to fill your heart and mind?

PRAYER: “Lord, take our worries and replace them with your peace that surpasses all understanding. Guard our hearts and minds with your peace. Amen.”

Day Four - Peace READ: ISAIAH 9:6 NIV “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”

REFLECTION: Why is Jesus called the "Prince of Peace"? How does this title impact your life?

ANTICIPATION: In what areas of your life do you need the peace of Christ to rule?

PRAYER: “Prince of Peace, thank you for coming into our world to bring us peace. Let your peace reign in our hearts, our homes, and our world. Amen.”

Day Five - Peace READ: ROMANS 5:1 NIV “Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ...”

REFLECTION: What does it mean to have peace with God through Jesus?

ANTICIPATION: How can we live out this peace in our relationships with others?

PRAYER: “God, thank you that through Jesus we are reconciled to you and have peace with you. Help us to share this peace with others. Amen.”

Day Six - Peace READ: COLOSSIANS 3:15 NIV “Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.”

REFLECTION: How can you let the peace of Christ “rule” in your heart today?

ANTICIPATION: How can you pursue peace in your family, friendships, and community this week?

PRAYER: “Jesus, may your peace rule in our hearts and guide our actions. Help us to be agents of peace in our homes and our world. Amen.”

Day Seven - Peace READ: EPHESIANS 2:14 NIV “For he himself is our peace, who has made the two groups one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility...”

REFLECTION: How does Jesus break down walls and create peace between people?

ANTICIPATION: Who can you bring peace to this week by following Christ’s example?

PRAYER: “Lord, you are our peace, breaking down divisions and bringing us together. Help us to be peacemakers in a world that needs your love. Amen.”

JOY THEME VERSE: LUKE 2:10-11 NIV “But the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid.I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. 11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah,the Lord.”

JOY REFLECTION ACTIVITY: Create some space in your schedule this week to share joyful memories together. Take turns recalling favorite moments from the past year or from previous Christmases. As a family, you could make a scrapbook page to capture these memories, or simply enjoy reflecting on the times when you felt God’s joy. Let this time together remind you of God’s goodness and the joy He brings into our lives.

WATCH VIDEOS: Use the QR Code located in the front of the booklet to access this week’s devotional and worship videos (3A & 3B).

WEEK THREE

Day One - Joy READ: LUKE 2:10-11 NIV “But the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. 11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah,the Lord.”

REFLECTION: How does the birth of Jesus bring you joy?

ANTICIPATION: What are you looking forward to in this Christmas season that brings you joy?

PRAYER: “Lord, thank you for the good news of great joy that we celebrate this season. Help us to share that joy with others. Amen.”

Day Two - Joy READ: PSALM 16:11 NIV “You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.”

REFLECTION: How do you experience joy in God’s presence?

ANTICIPATION: How can you make more room in your life to experience God’s joy this week?

PRAYER: “God, you fill us with joy when we are near to you. Help us to seek your presence daily and to live in the joy you provide. Amen.”

Day Three - Joy READ: ZEPHANIAH 3:17 NIV “The Lord your God is with you, the Mighty Warrior who saves. He will take great delight in you; in his love he will no longer rebuke you, but will rejoice over you with singing.”

REFLECTION: How does it feel to know that God delights in you and rejoices over you?

ANTICIPATION: How can you embrace the joy of knowing that God celebrates you as His deeply loved child during this Advent season?

PRAYER: “Heavenly Father, thank you for being with us and rejoicing over us with love and singing. Help us to feel the joy of your presence and reflect that joy to those around us. Amen.”

Day Four - Joy READ: JOHN 15:11 NIV “I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.”

REFLECTION: What does it mean to have complete joy in Christ?

ANTICIPATION: How can you remain in Christ’s love to experience the fullness of joy?

PRAYER: “Jesus, thank you for giving us joy that is complete in you.

Help us to remain in your love and to live in that joy daily.

Amen.”

Day Five - Joy READ: 1 PETER 1:8-9 NIV “Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, 9 for you are receiving the end result of your faith, the salvation of your souls.”

REFLECTION: How can you experience joy, even when you don’t see Jesus physically?

ANTICIPATION: What joy do you anticipate experiencing when Christ returns?

PRAYER: “Lord, though we do not see you now, we love you and are filled with joy in your salvation. Strengthen our faith and increase our joy as we wait for your return. Amen.”

Day Six - Joy READ: NEHEMIAH 8:10 NIV “Nehemiah said, ‘Go and enjoy choice food and sweet drinks, and send some to those who have nothing prepared. This day is holy to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.”

REFLECTION: How can the joy of the Lord be your strength today?

ANTICIPATION: How can you lean on God’s joy in the difficult moments of life?

PRAYER: “God, your joy gives us strength when we are weak. Help us to rely on you in every moment and to find our joy in you alone. Amen.”

Day Seven - Joy READ: ISAIAH 35:10 NIV “...and those the Lord has rescued will return. They will enter Zion with singing; everlasting joy will crown their heads. Gladness and joy will overtake them, and sorrow and sighing will flee away.”

REFLECTION: What does it mean to experience everlasting joy?

ANTICIPATION: How can you live in the reality of everlasting joy, even now?

PRAYER: “Lord, thank you for the promise of everlasting joy. Help us to live in that joy today and to look forward to its fullness when we are with you. Amen.

LOVE THEME VERSE: JOHN 3:16 NIV “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”

LOVE REFLECTION ACTIVITY: Choose a simple act of service that the family can do together to show love to someone in need. This could be through volunteering, or delivering food to a neighbor. Talk about how Jesus calls us to love others through our actions.

WATCH VIDEOS: Use the QR Code located in the front of the booklet to access this week’s devotional and worship videos (4A & 4B).

WEEK FOUR

Day One - Love READ: JOHN 3:16 NIV “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”

REFLECTION: How does God’s love for the world change how you view yourself and others?

ANTICIPATION: How can you share the love of Christ with someone else this week?

PRAYER: “Father, thank you for loving us so much that you sent your Son. Help us to love others as you have loved us.

Amen.”

Day Two - Love READ: 1 JOHN 4:9-10 NIV “This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. 10 This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins.”

REFLECTION: What does it mean that God loved us first?

ANTICIPATION: How can you show this same love to others in your family, community, or beyond?

PRAYER: “God, thank you for loving us first and showing us what real love is. Help us to love others with the same unconditional love. Amen.”

Day Three - Love READ: ROMANS 5:8 NIV “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”

REFLECTION: How does Christ’s sacrifice demonstrate God’s love for you?

ANTICIPATION: In what ways can you live out this sacrificial love in your relationships?

PRAYER: “Lord, thank you for your great love, which was shown through Jesus’ sacrifice. Help us to live in that love and share it with others. Amen.”

Day Four - Love READ: EPHESIANS 3:17-19 NIV “...so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith.

And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, 18 may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, 19 and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.”

REFLECTION: What does it mean to be “rooted and established in love”?

ANTICIPATION: How can you grow deeper in your understanding of God’s love this Advent?

PRAYER: “God, may we be rooted in your love and grow in our understanding of just how wide, long, high, and deep your love is for us. Amen.”

Notes

Notes

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