The Season of Hope Begins
The first Sunday of Advent marks the beginning of the Church year and the start of our journey toward Christmas. This first week focuses on hope—the confident expectation that God keeps His promises. Light the first candle. Prepare your heart. The King is coming.
The Prophecy Candle
Theme: Hope | Color: Purple | Focus: The coming of the Messiah
Contents
The Meaning of Advent
Advent comes from the Latin word adventus, meaning "coming" or "arrival." This four-week season serves dual purposes: we prepare to celebrate Christ's first coming at Christmas, and we anticipate His second coming in glory. It's a season of hopeful waiting, of intentional preparation, of lighting candles in the darkness.
The Four Weeks of Advent
- Week 1: Hope (Prophecy Candle)
- Week 2: Faith (Bethlehem Candle)
- Week 3: Joy (Shepherds Candle - Rose)
- Week 4: Peace (Angels Candle)
First Sunday Theme: Hope
Hope in the Coming Messiah
The first week of Advent focuses on hope—not wishful thinking, but confident expectation. The Old Testament prophets promised a Messiah who would rescue God's people. That promise was fulfilled in Jesus, and we await His return. Our hope is anchored in God's faithfulness.
Why Hope Matters
We live in a world of uncertainty. Relationships break. Health fails. Dreams crumble. But Christian hope transcends circumstances. It's built on the character of God, who cannot lie and never fails. This first candle reminds us: darkness doesn't win. Light is coming.
Scripture Readings
"The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness, on them has light shined."
— Isaiah 9:2 (ESV)
"Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel."
— Isaiah 7:14 (ESV)
"For since we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so, through Jesus, God will bring with him those who have fallen asleep... Therefore encourage one another with these words."
— 1 Thessalonians 4:14, 18 (ESV)
"And when these things begin to take place, straighten up and raise your heads, because your redemption is drawing near."
— Luke 21:28 (ESV)
Additional Readings for Week 1
- Isaiah 11:1-10: The shoot from Jesse
- Jeremiah 33:14-16: The righteous Branch
- Romans 15:4-13: God of hope
- Mark 13:24-37: Watch and stay awake
Advent Wreath Lighting Prayer
Lighting the First Candle
Leader: As we light this first candle of Advent, we remember the prophets who foretold the coming of the Messiah. For centuries, God's people waited in darkness, hoping for the light of the world.
All: Come, Lord Jesus, come.
Leader: This candle represents hope—not the fragile hope of wishful thinking, but the unshakeable hope of God's promises. Though the world waits in darkness, the light is coming. Though we groan for redemption, our salvation draws near.
All: Come, Lord Jesus, come.
[Light the first purple candle]
Leader: Let this flame remind us that the darkness is passing away and the true light is already shining. Our hope is anchored in You, O God.
All: Amen. Come, Lord Jesus.
— Romans 15:13
Opening Prayer for Week 1
Prayer for Hope
Almighty God,
As we enter this holy season of Advent, stir up in us a fresh hope. We live in a world that often feels dark—broken relationships, failing health, uncertain futures. But You have promised to be with us. You have promised to return. You have promised to make all things new.
As we light this first candle, ignite in us the fire of hope. Help us to wait well—to prepare our hearts, to examine our lives, to make room for Jesus. May we not be distracted by the noise of this season, but may we fix our eyes on the One who is coming.
We ask this through Christ our Lord,
Amen.
Family Prayer Service
Use this simple format for daily family devotions during the first week of Advent.
Daily Advent Devotion (5-10 minutes)
- Light the candle: Use the wreath lighting prayer above (or light from the already-lit candle on subsequent days)
- Read Scripture: Choose one reading from the list above
- Reflect: Ask: "What does this teach us about hope? About Jesus? About waiting?"
- Pray: Each person shares one thing they're hoping for or praying about
- Sing: "O Come, O Come, Emmanuel" or another Advent hymn
- Close: Pray together: "Come, Lord Jesus. Amen."
For Families with Children
Explain that Advent is like waiting for a special guest to visit. We clean our house, prepare food, and get excited. Advent is preparing our hearts for Jesus. The candle is like a nightlight reminding us that Jesus is the Light of the World, and He's coming soon!
Reflection Questions for Week 1
Use these questions for personal reflection, family discussion, or small group sharing during the first week of Advent.
Personal Reflection
- What does "hope" mean to me? How is Christian hope different from worldly hope?
- Where in my life do I need God's hope right now?
- What promises of God bring me comfort when I'm afraid or uncertain?
- How can I prepare my heart for Christmas differently this year?
- What does it mean to "wait well" for the Lord?
Family Discussion
- What are we waiting for during Advent?
- Why do you think God's people had to wait so long for Jesus?
- What's something good that came from waiting?
- How can we help each other remember Jesus during this busy season?
- What makes you feel hopeful when you're sad or scared?
A Week of Hope
Throughout this first week, let the first candle of Advent burn as a reminder: hope has come. The prophets' promises were fulfilled. Jesus came. Jesus is coming again. And in the meantime, He is with us—Emmanuel, God with us.
Begin With Hope
The Light Is Coming
The first Sunday of Advent invites us to do something countercultural: to wait, to hope, to prepare. In a world of instant everything, Advent teaches us that some things can't be rushed. God's timing is perfect. His promises are sure. His light is coming.
So light the candle. Speak the prayer. Open the Scripture. And let hope take root in your heart. The King is coming. Maranatha— come, Lord Jesus.
"May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope." — Romans 15:13