From the earliest of Christian times, advent has been a season of waiting in eager anticipation of Christ’s return. In fact, the traditional church calendar doesn’t begin on January 1, but with the first Sunday of advent: we begin our Christian year in waiting! Not with “...the merriment of Christmas or the triumph of Easter. We do not begin with the work of the church or the mandate of the Great Commission. Instead, we begin in a place of yearning.” We wait with eyes and hearts ready to receive our King, but also looking back, rejoicing in God’s faithfulness in coming to us throughout human history.

As we look back to celebrate the birth of Jesus and look forward in anticipation of his return, this four-part series is an opportunity to know afresh the hope, peace, joy, and love of Jesus. The one who is our hope, the prince of peace, the source of Good News which brings great joy, and God’s love made flesh.