Advent: Hope, Peace, Joy, Love — 4-Week Series

Biblical hope is not optimism; it is certainty about a promise not yet visible.

Outline

1. A people walking in darkness (Isa 9:2)
2. The government upon his shoulder (Isa 9:6)
3. The God of hope fill you (Rom 15:13)

For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given.

Isaiah 9:6 (KJV)

Application question: What are you waiting on God for, and are you waiting in hope or in anxiety?

The Prince of Peace comes to a world that manufactures war, and He begins with peace between God and man.

Outline

1. A rod out of the stem of Jesse
2. The way of peace (Luke 1:79)
3. Peace made by the blood of his cross (Col 1:20)

To guide our feet into the way of peace.

Luke 1:79 (KJV)

Application question: Where do you need to stop fighting and be reconciled?

The angel's first word to terrified shepherds is joy — and it is announced to the least likely audience in Judea.

Outline

1. Good tidings of great joy
2. To all people
3. Glory to God in the highest

Behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.

Luke 2:10 (KJV)

Application question: Who in your life would be most surprised to be included in this announcement?

The incarnation is the measurement of God's love — not a statement about it, but the proof of it.

Outline

1. God so loved that he gave
2. Not that we loved God (1 John 4:10)
3. The Word made flesh (John 1:14)

In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world.

1 John 4:9 (KJV)

Application question: Who needs to hear this week that God's love is not a reward for their behaviour?

What are the four Advent candle themes?

Hope, peace, joy, and love, with a fifth Christ candle lit on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day.

Is Advent in the Bible?

The season is a church tradition; every reading in it is Scripture. The prophecies and the nativity accounts are biblical in full.

Is the series free?

Yes — free to preach, adapt, and print.