Bible Daily

Exploring the First Week of Advent: Hope and Prophecy in the Bible

Exploring the First Week of Advent: Hope and Prophecy in the Bible

Introduction

The season of Advent marks the beginning of the liturgical year in many Christian traditions, a time of preparation and anticipation for the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ. It is a period rich with symbolism and meaning, where each of the four weeks leading up to Christmas has its own theme and focus. The first week of Advent is particularly significant, as it sets the tone for the entire season by emphasizing hope and prophecy. This article delves into the biblical roots of these themes, exploring how they resonate with the Christian faith and the message of the Bible.

The Concept of Advent

Advent, from the Latin word adventus meaning "coming" or "arrival," is not only about the historical event of Jesus' birth but also about His second coming. It's a season that encapsulates the dual nature of Christ's arrival - past and future, historical and eschatological.

The Historical Context

The tradition of Advent can be traced back to the 4th and 5th centuries in the Western Christian Church, initially as a time of fasting and preparation for the baptism of new Christians at Epiphany. Over time, it evolved to include the celebration of Christ's nativity, aligning with the liturgical calendar's focus on the incarnation.

The Liturgical Significance

Advent begins on the Sunday closest to November 30, which is the feast day of St. Andrew the Apostle. This period is marked by the lighting of candles on the Advent wreath, each representing a different aspect of preparation for Christ's coming:

  • First Week: Hope
  • Second Week: Peace
  • Third Week: Joy
  • Fourth Week: Love

Hope in the Bible

Hope is a central theme in Christianity, often depicted as an anchor for the soul (Hebrews 6:19). In the context of Advent, hope is not merely wishful thinking but a confident expectation based on God's promises.

Old Testament Prophecies of Hope

The Old Testament is replete with prophecies that speak of a coming Messiah, a figure who would bring salvation, peace, and hope to the world. Here are some key passages:

  • Isaiah 7:14: "Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel." This prophecy is often linked to the birth of Jesus, symbolizing God's presence among us.

  • Isaiah 9:6-7: "For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace." This passage speaks of the divine nature and mission of the Messiah.

  • Micah 5:2: "But you, O Bethlehem Ephrathah, who are too little to be among the clans of Judah, from you shall come forth for me one who is to be ruler in Israel, whose coming forth is from of old, from ancient days." This prophecy points to the birthplace of Jesus.

The Hope of Salvation

The hope of Advent is not just about the arrival of a historical figure but about the salvation and redemption that Jesus brings:

  • Romans 8:24-25: "For in this hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what he sees? But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience."

  • Titus 2:13: "Waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ."

Prophecy in the Bible

Prophecy in the Bible serves multiple purposes, from foretelling future events to offering moral and spiritual guidance. During the first week of Advent, the focus is on prophecies concerning the Messiah's arrival.

Prophets and Their Role

Prophets were God's messengers, tasked with delivering His word to His people. They often spoke of judgment, repentance, and the hope of redemption:

  • Jeremiah 23:5-6: "Behold, the days are coming, declares the LORD, when I will raise up for David a righteous Branch, and he shall reign as king and deal wisely, and shall execute justice and righteousness in the land."

  • Ezekiel 34:23-24: "And I will set up over them one shepherd, my servant David, and he shall feed them: he shall feed them and be their shepherd. And I, the LORD, will be their God, and my servant David shall be prince among them."

The Fulfillment of Prophecy

The New Testament often points back to these Old Testament prophecies to affirm Jesus as the Messiah:

  • Matthew 1:22-23: "All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet: 'Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel' (which means, God with us)."

  • Luke 1:32-33: "He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. And the Lord God will give to him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end."

The Advent Wreath and the First Candle

The Advent wreath, with its four candles, is a visual representation of the themes of Advent. The first candle, often purple or blue, symbolizes hope:

  • The Color: Purple or blue represents royalty and penitence, aligning with the anticipation of the King of Kings.

  • The Light: As the candle is lit, it signifies the light of Christ coming into the world, dispelling darkness with hope.

Theological Reflections on Hope and Prophecy

Hope as an Anchor

Hope in the Christian context is not passive; it's an active engagement with God's promises:

  • Hebrews 6:19: "We have this as a sure and steadfast anchor of the soul, a hope that enters into the inner place behind the curtain."

Prophecy as God's Communication

Prophecy is God's way of communicating His plans and His heart to humanity:

  • Amos 3:7: "For the Lord GOD does nothing without revealing his secret to his servants the prophets."

The Intersection of Hope and Prophecy

The first week of Advent intertwines hope with prophecy, presenting a narrative where God's promises are not just future expectations but are grounded in historical events and divine intervention:

  • Isaiah 40:3: "A voice cries: 'In the wilderness prepare the way of the LORD; make straight in the desert a highway for our God.'"

Practical Applications of Advent Hope

Personal Reflection

Advent invites believers to reflect on their own lives:

  • How does the hope of Christ's coming influence my daily living?
  • What areas of my life need the light of hope to dispel darkness?

Community Engagement

The hope of Advent should also extend to community:

  • How can we share this hope with others?
  • What acts of kindness can we perform to embody the hope of Christ?

Worship and Prayer

Advent is a time for heightened worship and prayer:

  • Pray for the coming of Christ, both in the historical sense and in the personal sense of His presence in our lives.
  • Meditate on the scriptures that speak of hope and prophecy, allowing them to shape our spiritual journey.

Conclusion

The first week of Advent sets the stage for a season of profound spiritual preparation. It reminds us of the hope that lies at the core of our faith, a hope that is not abstract but rooted in the prophecies of old, fulfilled in the person of Jesus Christ. As we light the first candle, we are not just marking time; we are participating in a divine narrative that spans millennia, from the promises made to the patriarchs to the birth in Bethlehem, and forward to the second coming of Christ. This week, let us embrace the hope that comes from knowing God's promises are sure, His word is true, and His Son has come to bring light to our world.