Welcome to The Journey for Advent Advent: Echoes of Hope is a heartfelt and captivating devotional created through the collaborative efforts of a diverse community of Heartlanders. With this unique devotional, we aim to inspire reflection on the impact of Jesus’ birth on our ordinary everyday lives.
Echoes explores four key themes associated with Advent, including hope, peace, joy, and love. Each day’s reflection delves into the richness of these themes, examining their relevance and significance in everyday life. The devotional guides readers toward a deeper understanding of the season’s spiritual significance through scripture readings, vivid storytelling, and thoughtful meditations.
Beginning December 1 and continuing through the end of the month, you will receive a daily reflection and prayer at 5 AM.
May these reflections deepen your spiritual journey, friends.
Sincerely,
The Journey Team
What Is Advent?
The word “Advent” means “coming” or “arrival,” emphasizing the anticipation and preparation for the arrival of Jesus.
The season of Advent is divided into four weeks, leading up to the celebration of Christmas, which commemorates the birth of Jesus. It is often marked as a time of reflection and joyful expectation.
Each week leading up to Jesus’ arrival focuses on various themes, often represented by the lighting of Advent candles. The four candles typically symbolize hope, peace, joy, and love. An additional candle is lit each week, signifying the progressive anticipation and readiness for Christ’s coming.
Advent serves as a period of spiritual reflection, communal gathering, and preparation for the true meaning of Christmas. It prompts believers to examine their hearts, repent of their sins, and align their lives with the teachings of Jesus. It is a time of renewing faith, hope, and love and fostering a sense of unity and community among believers as we seek to place Jesus first in our everyday.
Thank you to our team of writers for drawing us into the discovery of Jesus this season and giving us a pathway to practice following him well. Working with you and amplifying your gifts is an honor and a privilege.
Allison Antrim, Laura Buchman, Craig Cheney, Molly Fisher, Jeanine Frost, Marc Gibbens, Marci Gibbens, Laura Gulley, Sarah Hahs, Ryan Heckman, Brad Herndon, Shelly Huston, Dan Jacobsen, Brooke Hodnefield, Kathryn Marr, Anna McCracken, Stephanie Morrill, Michelle Pemberton, Dom Scalise, Debbie Smith, DJ Toelle, Aiden Turner, Marnie Vasquez, Lisa Zulke
Editors:
Kathy Lewis & Lisa Zulke |
