A Thrill of Hope – Advent Devotional Week 2
In the busyness and weariness of the season, Advent invites us to pause and pray. Join with Christ our Refuge as we explore the hope, comfort, grace, and light of Christ’s coming through ancient prayers and timeless truths.
Follow along with these readings and reflections in the lead-up to Christmas.
WEEK 2: A PRAYER OF COMFORT FOR THE WEARY
Blessed Lord, you have caused all holy Scriptures to be written for our learning: grant us so to hear them, read, mark, learn, and inwardly digest them, that, encouraged and supported by your holy Word, we may embrace and always hold fast the joyful hope of everlasting life, which you have given us in our Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen. (AAPB 1978)
Day 1: The Promise of Comfort
Read Isaiah 40:1-11
Isaiah 40 speaks to a weary and exiled people, offering them a word of profound comfort: God has not forgotten them. He promises peace, forgiveness, and salvation. The eternal Word of God stands forever, and His glory will be revealed to all nations. The same God who comforted Israel offers us His might and tenderness today.
Reflect: How does knowing that God’s Word stands forever give you hope amid uncertainty?
Day 2: The Presence of Comfort
Read Luke 2:25-35
Simeon waited faithfully for the “consolation of Israel,” and his eyes beheld God’s salvation in the infant Jesus. Jesus embodies God’s comfort, fulfilling every promise and bringing salvation to all who trust in Him. Yet Simeon’s words remind us that this comfort comes through suffering—Jesus was born to bring peace through the cross.
Reflect: Where do you need to receive the comfort of Christ this Advent season?
Day 3: The Source of All Comfort
Read 2 Corinthians 1:3-7
Paul praises the “God of all comfort,” who meets us in our struggles and afflictions. God’s comfort overflows, equipping us to share it with others. This comfort is anchored in the life, death, and resurrection of Christ, who walks with us in our suffering and redeems it for His purposes.
Reflect: Who in your life is in need of the comfort you’ve received in Christ?
Day 4: Living as People of Comfort
Read Colossians 3:12-17
As God’s chosen people, we are called to clothe ourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, and patience. The peace of Christ should rule in our hearts, and His Word should dwell richly among us. Living as people of comfort means reflecting God’s character in how we love and serve others.
Reflect: How can you embody God’s comfort to someone in your community this week?
Day 5: The Eternal Comfort of Christ
Read Revelation 7:13-17
The vision of heaven reveals a day when all tears are wiped away, and God’s people are sheltered by His presence forever. Christ, the Lamb who was slain, will lead us to springs of living water. This eternal comfort reminds us that every hardship we face now is temporary and our ultimate hope is secure.
Reflect: How does the promise of eternal comfort shape your perspective on present challenges?
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Listen to our current Advent teaching series – A THRILL OF HOPE – via Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or christrefuge.co/sermons