The Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines “Hope” like this:
- To cherish a desire with anticipation
- To desire with expectation of obtainment or fulfillment
- To expect with confidence, Trust
In the Bible, the Hebrew language has two good words for hope:
- Yakhal – which means simply “to wait for”
- Qavah – also means “to wait”, the feeling of tension and expectation, like a twisting rope; waiting on the edge of your seat for something to happen
Word Study on “Hope” by The Bible Project:
Hope Advent Activities
Each day, use the scripture listed to meditate on HOPE. Use this special time as an opportunity to practice hope with expectation. Some ideas on ways to meditate on the scripture of the day whether you’re doing this alone, with a friend, or with your family…
- Read through the verses, hand copy the scripture onto a page or into a journal, then read through it again.
- Create your own piece of art that includes words from the scripture or a picture of hope.
- Make a Christmas ornament with the word hope, with the scripture of the day, or your own picture of hope.
- Paint some rocks in fun or Christmas colors and then also include the word hope and a scripture. Then hide them in your local park, playground, or other public gathering place.
- Pay for the order of the person behind you in the drive-thru. Leave a Christmas card that you have filled out with a message and Bible verse about hope for the cashier to hand to the person you paid for.
- Make and hang a banner in your home that spells out the word hope.
- Light a candle to represent hope.
- Put up a manger scene in your home.
- Incorporate the scripture into a prayer and ask God to grow hope in your spirit, write out a prayer of hope into a journal.
- Bake Christmas cookies and decorate them with the word hope. Maybe even share a plate with your neighbors!
- Share our daily Advent inspiration with your friends on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
- Attend our Sunday service, or watch the sermon at the bottom of this page to give you context and more inspiration about HOPE!
Monday December 2
Psalm 130:5-7
“I am counting on the Lord;
yes, I am counting on him.
I have put my hope in his word.
I long for the Lord
more than sentries long for the dawn,
yes, more thanks entries long for the dawn.
O Israel, hope in the Lord;
for with the Lord there is unfailing love.
His redemption overflows.”
Tuesday December 3
Psalm 39:7
“And so, Lord, where do I put my hope?
My only hope is in you.”
Wednesday December 4
1 Peter 1:3
“All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. It is by his great mercy that we have been born again, because God raised Jesus Christ from the dead. Now we live with great expectation,“
Thursday December 5
Romans 8:20-21
“Against its will, all creation was subjected to God’s curse. But with eager hope, the creation looks forward to the day when it will join God’s children in glorious freedom from death and decay.“
Friday December 6
Isaiah 8:17
“I will wait for the Lord,
who has turned away from the descendants of Jacob.
I will put my hope in him.“
Saturday December 7
Colossians 1:23
“But you must continue to believe this truth and stand firmly in it. Don’t drift away from the assurance you received when you heard the Good News. The Good News has been preached all over the world, and I, Paul, have been appointed as God’s servant to proclaim it.”
