Why Advent Is the Perfect Season To Choose Hope

For most of us, the year begins with January 1st, filled with resolutions and goals. But the church calendar begins differently—with Advent. This intentional choice centers the rhythm of life around Jesus, resisting the pull of worldly calendars. Advent invites us to reorder our lives around hope, reminding us of Emmanuel, "God with us," and that Christ abides with us even now.

The first Sunday of Advent focuses on hope—a fitting start to the year. As Hebrews 11:1 teaches, "Faith is the reality of what we hope for, the proof of what we don’t see." Hope and faith are bound up in each other. Hope isn’t passive; it’s faith in action, shaping how we live.

The early Church viewed God’s Kingdom as a parallel reality, operating simultaneously with the earthly one. Life under oppression by Rome felt real, and faith offered a glimpse of a world ruled by King Jesus. Advent is an opportunity to pierce this "veil," as early believers did, envisioning life as it could be under Jesus’ reign.

This isn't escapism but a challenge: How can we organize our lives around what we hope for? How can we make the Kingdom of God come on earth as it is in Heaven? This act of "holy imagination" calls for bold, faithful living shaped by hope.

Mary, the mother of Jesus, has long embodied hope in Christian tradition. Despite the social and personal challenges that could come because of this unexpected and miraculous pregnancy, Mary’s response to the angel's announcement was one of servanthood: "I am the Lord’s servant. Let it be with me just as you have said" (Luke 1:38).

• The First to Hope in Jesus: Mary’s hope wasn’t abstract. It was a profound trust in God’s promise, even when it upended her life.
• The First to Share Hope: After hearing the angel's words, Mary visited her cousin Elizabeth, sharing her belief in the growing Messiah. Elizabeth’s baby leapt in affirmation, symbolizing shared hope.
• Hope Through Song: Mary’s Magnificat (Luke 1:46–55) praises God for His justice and mercy, even as her earthly circumstances remained unchanged.

Mary's hope wasn’t limited to joyful moments. At the wedding in Cana (John 2), she hoped for Jesus' first miracle. She was also the first to urge others to trust Him: "Do whatever he tells you."

At the cross (John 19), when nearly everyone abandoned Jesus, Mary stayed. Through Mary, we see hope that stays close to suffering when it seems like all is lost. Her presence in the Upper Room after Jesus’ ascension (Acts 1:14) shows enduring hope. She waited with others for the promised Holy Spirit, even when the wait seemed endless.

Advent isn’t just about anticipation; it’s about living in alignment with the hope we proclaim. Here are ways you can embrace Advent as an active season of hope:

• Lean Into the Waiting: Waiting is hard, whether for healing, reconciliation, or a better future. Yet, waiting is an act of hope, trusting that God is working even in the silence.
• Participate in Kingdom Work: Tangible acts—feeding the hungry, clothing refugees, or reconciling relationships—bring glimpses of God’s Kingdom into our world.
• Sing, Pray, and Gather: Showing up, worshiping together, sharing resources, and celebrating God’s presence are practical declarations of hope.
• Take Personal Steps: Healing journeys, such as attending therapy or resolving conflicts, are profound acts of trust in God's restoration.

Hope is universal, but where we place it matters. Advent invites us to renew our hope in Jesus. It’s a choice to center life on Christ and seek His Kingdom in our daily actions.

This Advent season, ask yourself: What am I hoping for? Name it. Bring it before Jesus.

As the season unfolds, choose hope—hope that transforms waiting into faith, suffering into trust, and actions into glimpses of God’s Kingdom on earth.