Waiting with Hope — What Advent Really Is

November 28, 2025

 Isaiah 9:2

“The people walking in darkness have seen a great light.” 

As winter approaches and the days grow shorter, Christians around the world enter the quiet, sacred season of Advent. The term Advent means “coming” or “arrival” and marks a period of waiting, watching, and hoping, not for something abstract or sentimental, but for Someone real: Jesus Christ, the Light who dispels our darkness. This season calls us to slow down, breathe, and remember that our faith is grounded in both remembrance and anticipation.

1. Advent Looks Back

We remember the first coming of Christ, 

a child born in a manger, 

a Savior clothed in humility, 

God entering our world to rescue and redeem.

"In the middle of ordinary nights and ordinary people, heaven bent low and hope took on flesh."

2. Advent Looks Ahead

But Advent doesn’t stop at Bethlehem.
It reminds us that we are still waiting.

We await the second coming of Christ, when He will restore all things, wipe away every tear, and fully establish His Kingdom of peace and justice. Advent reminds us to live with holy expectation, keeping our lamps burning and our hearts alert.

3. Advent Looks Within

This season is also an invitation to make room for Christ in our own lives.

In a world that runs fast, Advent gently asks:

What fills your heart?
What crowds out the voice of the Jesus?
Where do you need His peace, His hope, His joy, His love?

Advent is a spiritual reset, a chance to surrender our hurry and open our hearts anew to the One who comes near.

4. Advent Is a Season of Hope

Hope is not wishful thinking.
Hope is confidence rooted in God’s promise.

We light candles at church and perhaps in our homes too, not just for tradition, but to declare:
“The darkness will not win.” Why?

Because:
Christ has come, 

Christ is coming again, 

and Christ is with us now.

A Prayer for Advent

Lord Jesus,
In this season of waiting, awaken our hearts to Your presence.
Shine Your light into our darkness.
Teach us to hope with confidence, to watch with expectation,
and to prepare room in our lives for You.
Come, Lord Jesus, come into our world, our homes, and our hearts.
Amen.