Season 3 Episode 4 - Expecting the Unexpected
- Austin Newton
- Dec 1, 2024
- 3 min read
Updated: Dec 3, 2024
What is Advent?
Advent, derived from the Latin word "adventus" meaning "coming" or "arrival," is a sacred season of anticipation and preparation. It spans the four weeks before Christmas, marking a time of spiritual reflection, hope, and expectation.
Unlike the commercial rush of the holiday season, Advent invites us to a deeper, more contemplative journey.
This season is not just about remembering the birth of Jesus two thousand years ago, but also about preparing our hearts for Christ's continued presence in our lives and anticipating His ultimate return. It's a time of holy waiting - a spiritual practice that transforms passive waiting into active, purposeful preparation.
The Advent Wreath
Symbolism and Meaning
The Advent wreath is a powerful visual metaphor for spiritual preparation. Typically made of evergreen branches forming a circular wreath, it symbolizes eternal life. The circle, with no beginning or end, represents God's unending love and the eternal nature of Christ.
Materials Needed
Circular wreath base (can be evergreen or artificial)
4 candles (traditionally 3 purple, 1 pink)
Optional: White center candle (Christ candle)
Candleholder or secure placement for each candle
Candle Placement and Meaning
First Candle (Purple): Hope
Second Candle (Purple): Peace
Third Candle (Pink): Joy
Fourth Candle (Purple): Love
Center Candle (White): Christ (lit on Christmas)
Lighting Instructions
Each Sunday of Advent, light the corresponding candle
On the first Sunday, light the Hope candle
Each subsequent Sunday, light the previous candles and add the next
By the fourth Sunday, all four candles will be lit
On Christmas, light the center Christ candle
Advent Wreath Blessing Prayer
Gracious God, as we light these candles,
Illuminate the darkness in our hearts.
Prepare us not just for a celebration of your past arrival,
But for your continuing presence in our lives.
May each flame remind us of your unending love,
Your persistent hope,
And your promise of redemption.
Personal Preparation
What areas of my life feel like they are in "waiting" right now?
What’s the state of your heart this Advent season?
Where do I need hope, peace, joy, or love to break through?
How can I create intentional space for spiritual reflection during this season?
What distractions prevent me from truly experiencing the depth of Advent?
In what ways am I actively preparing my heart for divine encounter?
Spiritual Practices for Advent
Daily Scripture reading
Intentional prayer
Journaling
Silence and meditation
Acts of compassion and service
Focusing on gratitude
A Final Word of Invitation
Advent is an invitation - to slow down, to hope, to expect, to prepare. It's a reminder that in the midst of our busy lives, God is always moving, always present, always inviting us into a deeper relationship.
This is not just a countdown to Christmas, but a transformative spiritual journey.
"Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight." - Mark 1:3
Resources:
Unwrapping the Greatest Gift: A Family Celebration of Christmas:
The Jesus Storybook Bible Advent Activity Book:
Weekly Bonus Episodes:
Week 1: Hope - The Anchor of Expectation
Candle Representation
The Hope Candle is a flickering promise in the darkness - a small but powerful light that reminds us that even the tiniest flame can push back against overwhelming darkness. It represents the prophetic anticipation of God's promise, the first whisper of redemption breaking through centuries of waiting.
Advent Candle Lighting
As you light the purple candle, consider these words:
Hope Candle: "We light this candle to remember that even in our darkest moments, hope is never extinguished."
Scripture: Isaiah 9:2-7
"The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned."
Reflection: Hope is not a passive wish, but an active expectation. In the depths of darkness, hope emerges as a beacon of light, promising transformation. Just as the prophet Isaiah spoke of a coming Messiah during a time of great political and spiritual oppression, we too can find hope in the midst of our current struggles.
The promise of hope is not about eliminating all challenges, but about understanding that something greater is at work. Hope whispers that our current circumstances do not define our ultimate destiny.
Reflection Questions:
When was the last time you had a season of waiting? How did you handle it?
In the Hebrew language, the same word is used for both hope and waiting. How is this significant?
Where in your life do you currently feel like you're "walking in darkness"?
Recall a time when hope sustained you through a difficult season. What did that look like?
How might you be a source of hope for someone else right now?
What promises of God give you the most comfort during uncertain times?
In what ways can you actively cultivate hope in your daily life?
Resources for your marriage:
Other resources on UME Facebook and Instagram
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