Begin by singing a favorite Christmas song

Explain the Advent wreath. Our themes this year will be: FAITH (wk 1); JOY (wk 2); LOVE (wk 3); HOPE (wk 4). But the over-arching theme is the kingdom of God. What is the kingdom of God?

Light the first Advent candle and ask, “What was our theme the 1st week?” The answer is faith.

Light the second Advent candle and ask, “What is our theme the 2nd week?” The answer is joy.

Light the third Advent candle and ask, “What was our theme last week?” The answer is love.

Light the fourth Advent candle and ask, “What is our theme this week? The answer is hope.

Read Romans 8:24-25 and Colossians 1:5 together.

• Q. What is hope?
• Q. What is the future the gospel promises us? What is our “happily-ever-after”? 
• Q. Is the future in doubt or is it certain? How can you be sure?
• Q. How should this future affect the way we live in the present?

Pray using the A.C.T.S. model.

• Adore God for his love and his power.
• Confess how hard it is for you to wait on God’s strength.
• Give thanks for Jesus. Because of his work, the “hope of heaven” is secure.
• Ask the Holy Spirit to fill you with hope about your future so you can live in the present with faith, joy, and love.

Finish by singing “Come Thou Long Expected Jesus”