How to Cultivate Hope During the Advent Season

Scripture Reading: Matthew 24:36-44 "But about that day and hour no one knows, neither the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. For as the days of Noah were, so will be the coming of the Son of Man. For as in those days before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day when Noah entered the ark, and they did not know until the flood came and swept them all away, so will be the coming of the Son of Man."

The season of Advent is a time of preparation and waiting. It is a time to reflect on both the first coming of Christ—His birth in the humble manger—and the second coming, when He will return in glory to judge the living and the dead. The first Sunday of Advent focuses our attention on the latter: the return of Christ.

In today’s passage from Matthew, Jesus reminds us that His return will come unexpectedly, much like the flood in Noah’s day. People were living their everyday lives, unaware of the coming judgment, until the flood swept them away. The same will happen when Christ returns. It will be a moment no one can predict, and no one can escape.

The call of Advent is one of vigilance and readiness. We are reminded that in our busyness, it’s easy to become distracted by the things of this world—by eating, drinking, working, and even celebrating—so much so that we forget to prepare for Christ's return. Jesus tells us that just as Noah entered the ark to be saved, we must be prepared to meet Him when He returns. This preparation is not simply about outward actions; it is about the posture of our hearts.

Advent invites us to slow down, to reflect, and to take stock of our spiritual lives. Are we ready to meet Christ? Are we living with the expectation of His return? Are we tending to the condition of our hearts, preparing ourselves for the joy of His coming?

A Prayer for the First Week of Advent:

Heavenly Father, As we begin this season of Advent, we come to You with expectant hearts. We thank You for the gift of Your Son, Jesus, who came to us in the humble manger and who will one day return in glory. Help us to prepare our hearts for His coming. May we live in readiness, with vigilance and faith, always seeking Your presence in our lives. We ask for Your grace to be faithful in our daily walk, so that when Christ returns, He will find us alert, loving, and ready to meet Him. We pray that during this Advent season, our hearts would be open to receive Him anew, and that we would grow in love and hope, knowing that His coming is near. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Action Step for the Week:

Take a moment each day this week to reflect on your spiritual life. Set aside time for prayer, reading Scripture, and self-examination. Consider ways in which you can “prepare the way” for Christ by seeking peace, reconciliation, and joy in your relationships and in your heart.

Closing Thought:

Advent is a season of anticipation, not just of Christmas, but of the return of Christ. Let this season be a time to refocus our lives on the eternal hope that Christ’s coming brings. May we live each day with the expectation of His return, watching, waiting, and preparing our hearts.