Advent Week 1: Hope in the Waiting — Looking Forward to the Coming Messiah

Advent is a season of anticipation—a sacred stretch of days when our hearts lean forward, our spirits quiet down, and we remember what it means to wait on the Lord. In a busy world filled with countdowns, checklists, and quick results, Advent invites us to pause and rediscover the blessing that comes through waiting with hope.

This first week of Advent focuses on Hope—not the wishful thinking kind, but the deep assurance that God keeps His promises. Hope that anchors us. Hope that guides us. Hope rooted in the coming Messiah.

As moms, families, and believers, Week 1 gives us a moment to breathe and remember: God has been working throughout history to bring light into darkness, and He is still working today.

Week 1 – Memory Verse

Father, thank You for being a God who keeps His promises. As we begin this Advent season, fill our hearts with hope. Teach us to wait with expectation, to stay awake spiritually, and to live in Your light. Help our homes shine with Your peace as we look toward the coming of our Savior, Jesus. ~ Amen.

A Promise of Peace — Isaiah 2:1–5

“He will teach us His ways, so that we may walk in His paths… They will beat their swords into plowshares… Nation will not take up sword against nation, nor will they train for war anymore.” — Isaiah 2:3–4

In Isaiah’s prophecy, we see a world finally restored—one filled with peace, justice, and unity under God’s reign. It’s a vision of hope for families who long for stability, for mothers who pray for their children’s futures, and for anyone who feels the weight of a broken world.

Isaiah invites us to walk in the light of the Lord, even before we see the fullness of His plan. Advent begins here—with a step forward in faith, trusting that God’s promised peace is coming.

A Righteous Branch — Jeremiah 33:14–16

“The days are coming,” declares the Lord, “when I will fulfill the good promise… I will make a righteous Branch sprout from David’s line; he will do what is just and right in the land.”

Jeremiah spoke these words during a time of uncertainty and fear. God’s people were weary, discouraged, and unsure of what the future held. And yet, right in the middle of hardship, God spoke hope:

A Savior is coming. A King who will make things right.

This promise—fulfilled in Jesus—is the foundation of our Advent hope. Even when life feels unsteady, God’s promises stand firm.

Staying Awake — Matthew 24:36–44

“But about that day or hour no one knows… Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come.”

Jesus reminds us that hope isn’t passive—it is watchful, alert, and expectant. Advent mirrors this truth. We don’t simply remember that Christ came; we also look forward to when He will come again.

Matthew’s words challenge us to live prepared, to stay awake spiritually, and to let hope shape our daily choices.

For families, this might mean slowing down enough to notice God’s presence, praying together, or choosing peace when stress tempts us toward frustration. Hope keeps us grounded and attentive.

Signs of Redemption — Luke 21:25–36

“When these things begin to take place, stand up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.”

Luke paints a picture of a world in turmoil—signs in the heavens, distress among nations, and fear filling many hearts. Yet Jesus says that when everything around us feels uncertain, we can lift our heads in confidence, not fear.

Why?
Because our Redeemer is near.
Because God’s promises never fail.

In a season when many families feel overwhelmed or stretched thin, this passage speaks straight to the heart:
Hold onto hope. Redemption is already unfolding, and Christ is coming.

Living in the Light — Romans 13:11–14

“The hour has already come for you to wake up from your slumber… So let us put aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light.”

Paul echoes the message of Advent perfectly: Wake up. Pay attention. Live like people who belong to the coming King.

Hope isn’t just something we feel—it’s something we live.

Romans calls us to “put on Christ,” clothing ourselves with His character:

kindness
purity
integrity
faithfulness
love

This is how we prepare our hearts and homes for Jesus.

Hope in the Waiting

Waiting is rarely easy.
We wait for answers.
We wait for healing.
We wait for clarity and change.
We wait for prayers to be fulfilled.

But Advent reminds us: waiting is where hope grows.

Just like ancient Israel waited for the Messiah, we too wait with anticipation—celebrating Jesus’ first coming and looking forward to His return. And as we wait, we hold onto the truth that God has never once broken His promises.