Embracing the Four Themes of Advent: Hope, Peace, Joy, and Love

“...I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people.” – Luke 2:10

During Advent, we anticipate the celebration of Christmas, the first coming of Jesus Christ, and his hoped-for return. Beginning the fourth Sunday before Christmas, believers reflect on a central theme for each of the four weeks leading up to Christmas Eve: hope, peace, joy, and love. Many churches light a candle on a wreath each Sunday of Advent, symbolizing one of these themes.

In this article, we’ll explore the four themes of Advent and discuss their significance and meaning in our lives, offering ways to embrace them as we await the coming of Christmas.

Advent Hope

Hope can feel elusive amidst the challenges of our lives. But for Christians, hope is not merely a fervent wish that things will get better; instead, it is a profound assurance rooted in faith: “Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see” (Hebrews 11:1).

This Advent hope is anchored in the promise of Christ's coming—not only for Christmas, the celebration of Jesus’ first coming but for us who wait in anticipation of his second coming.

Hope rooted in faith inspires believers to look beyond our immediate circumstances and trust God's faithfulness to his promises. During Advent, we may embrace this hope by studying God’s fulfilled promises throughout Scripture and reflecting on his faithfulness to us in our own lives. We extend this Advent hope to our everyday lives by acknowledging all the ways God is moving in the world today and focusing on his promises to come.

Embrace Advent hope with these short devotions:

• Hope

• Finding Hope in God’s Promises

• In Him, the Gentiles Will Hope
  

Advent Peace

Peace can seem like a distant ideal in a world marked by turmoil, uncertainty, and conflict. Yet, Advent reminds us that true peace is rooted in the coming of Christ. This peace is a constant source of assurance, even when external circumstances challenge us.

God gives us the gift of peace as we draw close and rely on him: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” - (Philippians 4:6-7).

This Advent season, consider placing particular emphasis on praying, meditating, and reflecting on Scripture to embrace God’s peace. We can also cultivate this Advent peace throughout the year as we worship God in our daily lives, acknowledging our total reliance on God for our needs.

Embrace Advent peace with these short devotions:

• Jesus Provides Rest and Peace

• No Jesus, No Peace

• The Peace of Christ

Advent Joy

Embracing joy starts with recognizing the profound difference between fleeting happiness and enduring joy. While happiness usually describes a feeling based on external circumstances, joy is a deeper, more resilient state rooted in faith and the assurance of God’s presence, regardless of what’s happening around us.

Advent joy reminds Christians that true joy is found in the promises and coming of Christ. This lasting joy provides comfort and strength even in times of struggle. James described this reality: “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds” (James 1:2). Now, that’s a different perspective than how we tend to think about joy and happiness.

Biblical joy is not just a feeling but a practice. During this Advent season, create a gratitude journal to help shift your focus from what is lacking in your life to the abundance of God’s gifts. Engaging in acts of service, such as volunteering at our church or helping a neighbor, can also bring us great joy and fulfillment. By embracing these practices each day, we can experience a more profound, lasting joy that resonates throughout the Advent season and beyond.

Embrace Advent joy with these short devotions:

• The Source of Joy

• Joy to the World

• Joy in the Face of Suffering
  

Advent Love

Throughout Scripture, God reveals his love as sacrificial, unconditional, and transformative. This profound love is at the heart of Advent love, shown through God’s gift of his son, Jesus Christ. This act of love calls us to respond in turn: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself’” (Matthew 22:37-39).

We can share and express God’s love in many tangible ways in our lives, especially around the Christmas season. Simple gestures, like a kind note, a phone call, or a hot meal, can encourage those around us who may be lonely this time of year. We can demonstrate this love by volunteering our time or resources to a local shelter, food bank, or toy drive to bless those in need. Another way to show God’s love is to pray for those around us regularly. By seeking ways to love and care for others, we embody the spirit of Advent love, reflecting Christ’s example in our daily lives.

Embrace Advent love with these short devotions:

• Love: God’s Expensive Free Gift

• Embracing God’s Unconditional Love

• Love Your Neighbor as Yourself

May God’s hope, peace, joy, and love surround you this Advent season. If you’re looking for a resource to help you meditate more deeply on the four themes of Advent, check out Today’s free Advent devotional series, “Waiting in Expectation.”

For more on Advent, visit our Advent Resource Page.