Advent @ B&A

Advent is a time of preparations, presents and partying! Often in the busyness of preparing for Christmas we struggle to stop and reflect on what Chritsmas is really about….somehow, we have lost the essence of what Advent is. 

Traditionally, Advent has been a time of preparing our hearts, making time to be present with God and fasting in anticipation of celebrating Jesus’ birth and in expectation of Jesus’ return.

This Advent @ B&A let’s look together with expectation and take time to lift our eyes from the distractions of a modern Christmas to fix our eyes on Jesus. Each week, we’ll have a Word of the Week to think and chew on. The words are Hope, Peace, Joy & Love. We’ll explore how these vital components of following Jesus can impact our daily lives and make a difference to those around us.  

ADVENT 1 - Hope

Throughout the Old Testament, God’s people lived with a deep longing for rescue—waiting, watching, hoping for the Messiah who would set all things right. Read Isaiah 7:14 and 9:6 to feel their hope and anticipation.

Questions: What are you hoping for this Christmas? What has God placed on your heart for 2026?

Verse: “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” Romans 15:13

Response: 1 Peter 3:15 says, “Always be prepared to give an answer... for the hope that you have.”

If a friend asked you today, “Where does your hope come from?” what would you say? Pray for an opportunity to share.

Listen: If you want to think a bit more about Hope, then listen to this talk from Jon Tyson about Advent: The Treat of Hope . It is a brilliant talk, contrasting Herod the Great and his kingship with that of Jesus. For Herod it was all about Herod, whereas with Jesus, it is all about you!