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Journey Into Advent: An Invitation of Waiting, Longing, and Expectation
November 30 marks the beginning of the Advent season, a time when the Church prepares to welcome the presence of Christ in our midst. Advent invites us into a journey marked by waiting, longing, and expectation. As we move through these weeks of reflection, we remember that the Holy Spirit is still breaking into the world in surprising, powerful ways. May He be at work in and through us!
JOURNEY INTO ADVENT
Walking Together in Hope, Peace, Joy, and Love
The season of Advent is an invitation to pause, to listen, and to open our hearts to God’s love. At St. Andrew's we will walk together in faith and discipleship, preparing room in our lives for the light, hope, and promise of Christ. ​We invite you to journey with us through four movements of the Advent story: Hope, Peace, Joy, and Love. Each week offers Scripture, a reflection, and prayer to help you grow in faith and discipleship. Join us in-person or via Livestream for weekly Advent messages. ​​
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As we move through Hope, Peace, Joy, and Love, let us remember that Advent is not just a countdown to Christmas. It is a pathway of discipleship. We invite you to join us in worship, prayer, and community as we prepare our hearts for Christ’s coming and look for the many ways the Holy Spirit is still at work among us. May this Advent lead us closer to the heart of God and to one another as we carry God's mission into the world.
The Way of Expectant Hope
Luke 1:26–38
Advent begins with hope, a hope that does not deny the darkness but looks for the light of Christ in it. This is a time to remember that God’s promises are not forgotten, even when we cannot yet see their fulfillment. In this first week, we open our hearts to trust that God is still at work in our lives, our community, and our world.
REFLECTION
Where in your life do you most need hope right now?
Write a short prayer or journal, naming the places where you feel tired, discouraged, or unsure. Then write one sentence of hope over each of those places.
The Way of Humble Peace
Luke 2:1–7
The second week of Advent turns our hearts toward peace, which is not the absence of conflict, but the deep, steady presence of God with us. Christ comes into a noisy, troubled world and speaks, “Peace, be still.” As disciples, we are invited to both rest in that peace and share it with others.
REFLECTION
Where do you feel the most stress, misalignment, or tension in this season? How might God be inviting you to create more space for stillness, prayer, or rest?
The Way of Suprising
Joy
Luke 2:8–20
The third week of Advent is marked by joy, joy that's rooted not in perfect circumstances, but in knowing that God is present with us. Even in seasons of struggle, the good news of Christ brings a joy that cannot be taken away. This week we practice noticing and celebrating the glimpses of grace all around us.
REFLECTION
What practices/traditions, people, or places help you remember joy? How can you intentionally make room for joy this week, not only for yourself but also for someone else?
The Way of Self-Giving Love
John 1:1–14
The final week of Advent centers on love, the love of God who came near to us in Jesus, Emmanuel, “God with us.” This love is not distant. It is personal, sacrificial, and transforming. As we draw close to Christmas, we remember that discipleship is rooted in receiving God’s love and sharing it freely with others. This is the hope that we have!
REFLECTION
Where is God inviting you to embody love in a tangible way? Write down one specific act of love you will offer to a family member, friend, stranger, or someone in need and ask the Holy Spirit to help you follow through.
God of Hope
When the world feels uncertain, remind us that Your light is always breaking through. Teach us to wait with expectation, to trust Your timing, and to believe that You are making all things new. Strengthen our faith when we feel tired, and help us to see signs of Your presence in everyday moments. In Christ, our living hope, we pray. Amen.