Advent 2025 Study | The First Week of Advent: The Hope of the World (Sunday, November 30 - Saturday, December 6, 2025)

"One who has hope lives differently."  - Dietrich Bonhoeffer, German Lutheran pastor (1905-1945)

The initial week of Advent focuses heavily on the theme of hope. It is a time for reflection, anticipating the historical arrival of Jesus, His promised return, and the spiritual renewal He offers to believers.

The Bible presents Jesus Christ as the world's singular source of hope, offering eternal life, forgiveness, and fulfillment to all people, including the sick, the poor, the guilty, and the anxious.

This hope provides an enduring, eternal perspective grounded in God's reliable promises. It is dynamically brought to life through active faith and perseverance, providing direction to believers as they face trials and motivating them to lead lives of service to others.

Within the Church community, this hope is shared and magnified, creating a healing environment that points members toward God.

Beginning Prayer: "Dear God, as Advent begins, help us get ready for the new start Your Son brings. Clear our busy minds so we can focus on the hope You promise. Prepare our hearts for Jesus' coming. Amen."

I. Beyond Wishful Thinking: The Reality of True Hope - Unlike true assurance, worldly hope is merely a passing "wish" or "fingers crossed" built on human ability alone. Biblical hope is a confident certainty, not a mere desire; it is an assurance anchored in the faithful promises and character of God.

Exploring the Scriptures: Read the following scripture verses for a deeper understanding of the preceding text.

• Romans 5:3-5; Hebrews 6:19; Hebrews 11:1

Let's Talk About It:

1. What is the fundamental difference between a biblical definition of hope as "confident expectation" versus the world's definition of hope as "wishful thinking"?
2. Describe a time when placing your trust in worldly things (like money, career, or status) didn't deliver the lasting fulfillment you expected.
3. In what ways does the concept of hope as an anchor in Hebrews 6:19 offer you security when facing personal storms?

II. Jesus: The Source of True Hope - While many things like money, power, and self-help offer hope, their temporary nature means they eventually disappoint. According to the Bible, the sole source of eternal hope is God and His Son, Jesus Christ.

Exploring the Scriptures: Read the following scripture verses for a deeper understanding of the preceding text.

• Romans 15:13; Colossians 1:27; 1 Timothy 6:17; 1 Peter 1:3

Let's Talk About It:

1. Which modern myths about success prove to be empty?
2. How does the historical event of Jesus' resurrection transform human hope from mere wishful thinking into a concrete, living certainty?
3. In what practical ways can I demonstrate that my ultimate security is in God, not in wealth or worldly situations?

III. The God of Hope: Our Source of Strength and Future - Genuine biblical hope is a living reality, not just a future promise. It empowers endurance through trials, fuels actions of love, and motivates us to share this gift with those still seeking hope.

Exploring the Scriptures: Read the following scripture verses for a deeper understanding of the preceding text. 

• Romans 12:12; Titus 2:13; 1 Peter 3:15

Let's Talk About It:

1. How does the Biblical hope of Jesus' return (Titus 2:13) influence the practical choices you make in your daily life?
2. If someone asked why you are so hopeful in a broken world, what would your simple explanation be?
3. How does maintaining hope change our experience of suffering, allowing for greater patience?

On a final note, in an era marked by global instability, people are seeking solid ground. We, as followers of Christ, possess this stability through the singular hope He provides. Our mandate is clear: not simply to embrace this hope personally, but to project His light into the world’s darkest corners.

Final Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank you for being the God of all hope. We confess we often trust in temporary things. Help us fix our eyes on Jesus, our true hope. Fill us with your joy and peace, that we may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit, and share it with the world. In Jesus' name, Amen.

In God's name,

Amy