Resting in True Hope, Peace, Joy, and Love

All is Calm: An Advent Study

Dec 01, 2024

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

I know for many of us, 2020 and the pandemic continues to take up space in our heart and mind. While scrolling through my social media feed at the beginning of November, I noticed the trend of putting up the Christmas decorations early, it brought me back to when this came to be. 2020 had been such a hard year and as it inched closer to December, our weary souls were desperate for hope, peace, joy, and love. What felt like in unison, everyone around the world put up their lights, trees, and decorations a month (or two!) early. We yearned for the light amongst the darkness, and we thought ringing in the most wonderful time of the year would do the trick.

But unfortunately, every year since has been filled with its own challenges—social unrest, wars, violence, political tensions, relationship struggles, and economic hardships. So, we continue the practice of bringing in the Christmas season early to gather around the warmth and light of the Reason for the season, Jesus, finding comfort in His presence.

Before the birth of the Savior, the Jewish people were also weary, desiring God to bring rest and light to the land of Israel. Like the stars breaking through the black sky, Jesus entering the world as a newborn baby brought such hope into the empty, hopeless hearts. He brought peace to a world filled with strife, a true shalom that only He could give. As His newborn cries echoed the humble manager He laid in, true joy seeped into humanity’s storyline, hope transformed everything.

In Romans 15:13, Paul writes about this radiant hope God provides for us as we look to Him as our Source. Through the miraculous power, we are given hope, joy, and peace by the Source of hope. Hope is not merely a feeling, a human emotion, but a divine gift rooted in God’s faithfulness and character! From the Lord’s deep love for us, He desires us to have an abundance of hope, joy, and peace.

Jesus’ birth brought into the world heavenly hope, perfect peace, jubilant joy, and lavish love. None of these are dependent on our circumstances. They are not fragile to the state of the world or the hardships we are walking through.

All is calm, even when life is not. Not only are we always able to draw close to the Light to feel the warmth of Christ’s presence but this special light dwells within our very being. Others around us can experience this hope through us and draw them to the Lord as well!

I’m praying that despite the weariness or stress plaguing you, you are able to truly rest in hope, peace, joy, and love through Jesus.

Breath prayer: Breathe in: Lord, Your hope

Breathe out: gives me peace and joy

In His love & grace,

Amber

December Study:

Join me for our December study, All is Calm: An Advent Study.

In this study, you’ll:

Usher in a quiet heart and be present this Christmas.
Pause in Jesus’ presence and experience His hope, peace, joy, and love. (Even in the midst of chaos!)
Practice treasuring all the things you read about Jesus (Like Mary!).
Study Scripture on hope, peace, joy, and love. (Daily reading plan and worksheet)
Receive daily breath prayers to help you quiet your mind and heart of any stress and worries and put your focus back on Jesus.

We start today, December 1st! The first email will be sent out this evening. Make sure you sign up so you don’t miss out.