First week in Advent

HOPE - PROPHETS - DISCIPLESHIP

“14But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. "Do not fear what they fear; do not be frightened." 15But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the HOPE that you have.”

~1 Peter 3:14-15a

There are five candles in an advent wreath. 3 purple or blue, and one pink on the wreath itself, and one white one in the center. Advent means coming. It is a season when we prepare for Jesus’ arrival. Purple symbolizes both His royalty and our repentance. The evergreen or holly wreath symbolizes both the eternal life He brings and the crown of thorns He wore to win it for us.

Each week a new candle is lit. each candle represents something.

The first candle is the “Prophets’ Candle.” It represents the hope that the people of Israel in the Bible had that someday their Messiah would finally come. His coming was predicted in the Old Testament by the prophets.

A prophet is not a psychic. A prophet is someone who speaks for God. Whenever we talk about God or His love for us, we are being prophets.

Last year kids from St. John’s Lutheran Youth Fellowship joined 600 other high school students from 60 different Iowa congregations in Des Moines last weekend for the annual District Youth Gathering.

The theme of the event was a Steven Curtis Chapman song, “Live Out Loud.”

We were reminded of who we are, loved and forgiven children of God. We were then challenged to live like who we really are without embarrassment, without hiding our love for Jesus. May your hope live out loud this Christmas.

Prayer:

Dear Lord,

This Advent, please remind me of the hope I have in You.

Help me to “Live Out Loud” for you

and to be prepared to explain where my hope comes from.

Thank you Jesus,

Amen.