Quieting Your Heart: An Invitation to Dwell in His Presence this Christmas, available now at Amazon.com (affiliate link)

Hey ladies, I just wanted to quickly remind you that our Advent Devotional study, beginning November 28th, is only one week away. I also wanted to point out that our upcoming study parallels the tradition of the four Advent candles. Each of the four weeks illuminates a theme reflective of the season’s spiritual significance.

Our Candle Lighting Schedule:

Our study begins on a Tuesday each week, at which time I’ll encourage you to light a candle. As we light our candles, we’ll reflect on the theme of the week, while inviting God’s presence into our homes. This symbolic addition will be a special part of our weekly gatherings. I’m sharing this information in advance, so you have time to prepare should you wish to participate in this part of the study.

Though our themes—Love, Joy, Hope, and Peace—are presented in a unique order, each one beautifully captures the spirit of Advent. Lighting a candle each week serves to remind us Who and what this season is truly about.

Week 1 (November 28): Love – Angel’s Candle (Purple)

We’ll begin with Love, a fundamental expression of our faith. As the first candle is lit, we’ll be reminded of God’s unconditional love—a love wrapped in swaddling clothes and born in a manger. This week we’ll reflect the selfless love of God, embracing it as both a gift and a model for how we live and love daily.

Week 2: Joy – Shepherd’s Candle (Pink)

In our second week, Joy will take center stage. As we light the second candle, we’ll celebrate the joy of Jesus’ birth, as experienced by the wise men in Matthew Chapter 2. This week, we’ll reflect on the source of our joy, how it strengthens a weary soul, and how this wellspring of joy is unlike anything else the world has to offer.

Week 3: Hope – Prophet’s Candle (Purple)

The third week will bring us to Hope. As this candle glows, we’ll rekindle the hopeful anticipation in our hearts. We’ll explore the story of Elizabeth and Zachariah who remind us that hope is alive in times of waiting. We’ll see how hope is rooted in the promises of God, and how it sustains us, in times of uncertainty.

Week 4: Peace – Bethlehem Candle (Purple)

Finally, we’ll focus on Peace. As we light this candle, we’ll seek the peace that passes all understanding, as described in Philippians 4:7. During this week, we will focus on how Christ’s presence in our lives brings tranquility and calmness, even amidst the chaos of the world.

Candle Colors and Preparation:

While the traditional Advent wreath includes three purple candles and one pink candle, feel free to use any candles you have. The essence of this practice lies in the symbolism of these candles, not their color. Affordable options are available at local dollar stores or Walmart. 

 

For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through the endurance taught in the Scriptures and the encouragement they provide we might have hope. – Romans 15:4 (NIV)

18 Comments

  1. Do I have to purchase the devotional to do this advent study? Do you have free printables to download and do this devotional or emails sent with the scriptures and devotion readings? This would be nice for those who can’t afford to purchase the advent devotional at this time. Thank you.

    • Hi Valerie! We understand that not everyone can purchase the study guide, which is why we provide a printable version exclusively for those facing financial constraints. By subscribing below (or through the link in our top menu) you’ll unlock access to studiies we have done. in the past as well as this upcoming study. I will be posting links to each of the four sections at the start of each week, which is Tuesdays. When you get your email, look for the “member’s Only” button near the bottom of the page or you can email me for that after subscribing.

      • I am so excited, I can’t wait!!!! Thank you for all you do!

        • Thank you Sylvia. Your encouragement is a gift. <3

    • I would love to do this but don’t have the money nor a printer

      • Barbara, you can still follow along by reading the digital copy. I hope you join in. <3

  2. Can we buy it in a digital form??

    • Hi Lissy, I don’t sell it in digital form, but subscribers get access to a digital copy. I upload a new section each week.

  3. So excited to begin this study.

  4. I am looking forward to your insights on this topic. You always have such a fresh and meaningful reflection that warms my heart. Thank you for being sensitive to the promptings of the Holy Spirit.

    • You’re so sweet. Thank you for your encouragement Pauline.

  5. Wondering why many translations bibles. What’s the reason for it? Thank you

    • Hi Colleen, do you mean in general? Or on this site? Normally I use New International Version.

      In general, fhere are many Bible translations because languages change over time, and new discoveries help us understand the Bible’s original languages better. Different translations also help people from various backgrounds and reading levels to understand the Bible’s message in a way that’s clear and meaningful to them.

  6. Though I am quite in these bible studies. I love them .

    • hi Susie, that’s awesome. I’m so glad you joined in. 🙂

  7. Good Morning, Darlene… Where’s week 2?