Advent, from the Latin advenio, which means “coming,” is a time that calls us to prepare for the Lord’s coming. It is a season of preparation and joyful expectation as we await the birth of the Savior. It is also a season that reminds us to wait with hopeful anticipation for the time when Christ will come again in power and glory at the close of the age.
The First Sunday in Advent ushers in the beginning of a new church year. The Scripture texts for each of the four Sundays in Advent exhort us to remain alert and faithful as we await our Lord’s return. Words of the ancient prophets remind us about God’s promised Messiah. And forerunners, such as John the Baptist, teach us how to prepare the way for the Lord’s coming.
The Preaching of John the Baptist is Foretold
- Isaiah 40:3-5
- Malachi 3:1
The Birth of John the Baptist is Announced
- Luke 1:5-25
John the Baptist Is Born
- Luke 1:57-66
John the Baptist Preaches in the Desert
- Matthew 3:1-12
- Mark 1:1-8
- Luke 1:80; 3:1-18
- John 1:6-8, 19-28
The Birth of Jesus, God’s Promised Messiah, is Announce
- Luke 1:26-38
Elizabeth, the Mother of John the Baptist, Acknowledges the Baby in Mary’s Womb
- Luke 1:39-45
Pause and Reflect
1. What parallel patterns can you find in Luke 1:5-38?
2. What message did the angel Gabriel bring to Zechariah? to Mary? How did each of them respond to the angel’s message?
3 Why did Mary visit Elizabeth?
4. Mary sings about the promise God has made. What is the promise? Where do you see signs of this promise in the world today? What are some of those signs?
5. What was John the Baptist’s message? How does his message speak to us today?
The Messiah Will Be a Descendant of David
- 2 Samuel 7:1-11, 16
- Psalm 89:1-36
- Isaiah 11:1-10
- Jeremiah 23:5-6
- Jeremiah 33:14-16
- Romans 1:1-4
- Isaiah 2:1-5
- Isaiah 9:2-7
The Messiah Is the Shepherd King
- Psalm 23
- Psalm 72
- Ezekiel 34:11-31
- Micah 5:2-5a
- John 10:1-18, 27-30
Pause and Reflect
1. The passages from Isaiah refer to a “child” (9:6) and a “branch” (11:1); the passages from Jeremiah refer to a “king” (23:5; 33:15). What connections do you see in these terms?
2. What are your thoughts concerning the image of the Messiah as a shepherd?
3. Is the description in Psalm 72 applicable for a leader today? Why or why not?
Pause and Pray
Lord God, I praise you and trust in your promises. With Mary I sing and am glad because you are my Savior and you have done great things. With a thankful heart I will prepare for the coming of the Messiah by _________________________________________________.
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Related Resources
During Advent, Christians celebrate Christ coming to earth for the first time. But the Bible also promises that Christ will come again. Use this devotional to reflect on Christ’s Second Coming.
Luke was a careful historian, and his report of the Christmas story is no exception. Use these readings from Luke to reflect on the Advent season.
Mark is the shortest of the four Gospels, but it has important insights on the Advent season. Read more here.
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