Hope is like a light in a dark place. It helps you see better in the darkness and to not be scared. In the Bible, the word hope means we feel confident in what God promised. We can trust that what He said is true.

Advent is a season of waiting. We wait in hopeful and eager expectation of celebrating Christmas and we wait with that same expectation that Jesus Christ will come again. Advent is also a season of light. We light candles each week of Advent to remind us that Jesus Christ, the light of the world has come, is coming and will come again!

We light the first candle of Advent as a symbol of our hope that the one who came to us as a baby in a manger will come again. Our waiting is not in vain, it is full of great hope in the Coming King who has already made his dwelling among us. He is, he was and he is to come.

What does hope mean to you?
What are the hopes you have for the world today?
How does God give you hope?
How have you felt hopeful this week?
What would you tell someone to give them hope?

The second candle is a symbol of peace. The peace of Jesus Christ calls us to be peacemakers in a fallen world. His promise of eternal peace inspires us to be people of peace.

What is peace?
How does Jesus bring peace to the world?
What are your hopes for peace in our world today?
When do you feel most at peace?

Joy is something beyond happiness. Joy does not fade away no matter what our circumstances. The Bible teaches us that joy doesn’t come from anything on earth - including friends, family, social media, money, jobs - but only Jesus can bring us true joy that no one can take away from us.

As the light continues to increase around the advent wreath. We continue to wait. We continue to prepare our hearts for the coming one. Let the effervescent joy of God bubble up within us! Let us praise him together!

We light the third candle as a symbol of joy. Our joy is made possible because of Emmanuel, God with us. One day our joy will be complete as we dwell in his eternal light and life.

What is the difference between happiness and joy?
What are your hopes for joy in the world today?
How does God give you joy?
What do you like to do when you are feeling joyful? Or, how do you show that you have joy?

We light this final advent candle as a symbol of God’s love for us and for the world. His love was so great that he came to live with us in order that we might be reconciled to him. One day his love will make all things new.

How does God show us love by sending Jesus?
When do you feel loved?
Who are people you know that need the message of God’s love?
How could you help others know God's love?