In this Advent 2021: The Light of Hope reading plan, we will explore how Scripture presents Jesus as the LIGHT in a dark world. We are invited to be people of light as we celebrate the baby who came in Bethlehem and look toward His future return.

Advent comes from a Latin word meaning “coming” or “arrival.”  As followers of Jesus, we are a people living between two advents: the coming of Jesus as a baby and His future return as the King of kings (Luke 2: 11-15; Revelation 2:5-7). During Advent, believers all around the world remember that Jesus came as the Light of the World. We remember the life Jesus was born to live, the salvation He brings, and the ongoing work He invites us to join.

Let’s celebrate and reflect this Advent season as people of the light.  Let us worship the living Savior and join Him in bringing light to those around us this season.

“The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; a light has dawned on those living in the land of darkness.”  Isaiah 9:2

Section 1: The Light of the World
“I am the Light of the world.” John 8:12

Jesus declared Himself to be the Light of the World. Apart from Him, we live in darkness.

But this story of light didn’t begin with the birth of a baby boy under a shining star in the city of Bethlehem. From creation to the incarnation to the coming eternal city, Scripture speaks of our God as light in a world prone to darkness. In the midst of the sin and sorrow of this world, His light is a reminder of His life-giving presence and His power over sin.

In this first section of the reading plan, we’ll explore together the role of light in Scripture to better understand the gift of Jesus, reading how God used light to remind His people of His presence and His promises.

Sunday: The First Sunday of Advent
John 1:1-5

Almighty God, give us grace to cast away the works of darkness, and put on the armor of light, now in the time of this mortal life in which Your Son Jesus Christ came to visit us in great humility; that in the last day, when He shall come again in His glorious majesty to judge both the living and the dead, we may rise to the life immortal; through Him who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen
From The Book of Common Prayer