The thing about Christmas is that it shows up right in the middle of real life.
When I think of the Advent season in future tense, I picture a magical, set-apart time when everything slows and settles, allowing us to focus on togetherness, gratitude, and celebration. Then December arrives, and underneath the festivities and twinkle lights, a longing lingers. The difficult parts of life are still difficult. Strained relationships are still strained. The things we hoped would be different by now are mostly still the same.
Advent rarely looks or feels the way we wish it would, and our hearts would sink into despair but for the truth: This ordinary, in-process life is precisely where God meant to meet us.
The tidings of comfort and joy that we sing about are comforting and joyful because Christmas finds us in the throes of everyday life. Christ comes to bring light and life to us right where we are.
Christmas in the hospital.
Christmas in the wake of grief.
Christmas in the pile of past due bills.
Christmas in the fatigue of family strife.
Christmas in the uncertainty of what’s next.
Jesus is God who came to dwell with us, here in the midst of our angst and messiness and sickness and pride. Here in our busy schedules and aching bodies and tired hearts. Here in the world He created and loves and is committed to redeeming.
The baby in the manger is not the start of the story. Jesus’s birth happened in the midst of God’s ongoing pursuit of His people and His plan to bring them back into the glory of His presence forever.
This year’s Advent reading plan approaches the Christmas story from this point of view, starting with the creation in Genesis and walking through traditional passages of the season as they unfold in Scripture. Alongside God’s people in the Old Testament, we’ll feel the ache for the promised Messiah and the anticipation of His coming. We’ll watch in awe when God sends His Son into the world, at just the right time, to save the world through Him. And we will look with hope to the second advent—His promised return.
As you enter this Advent season, lay down your heavy load, and lean into the comfort of Christ. He is “the one and only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth” (John 1:14). He is the light who “shines in the darkness, and yet the darkness did not overcome it” (v.5). Our longings will linger until Christ comes again, but there is deep joy offered to us—right where we are—in the love and mercy of Jesus. May every reading in this reading plan lead you into the presence of the God who came near.
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352 thoughts on "The First Sunday of Advent"
Beautifully written
Starting late but better late than never
Just started this plan, so I’m definetely late for the season. But this is definetely needed!
I may be getting started late on this but this is just what my heart needed.
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love this beginning♥️ planning to catch up on this reading plan as i started it late… but the truth of God meeting us right in the middle of it all is SO good. i am currently struggling through betrayal in my marriage and the truth of God’s perfection throughout all my struggles is the greatest comfort and joy i could ever know. praise Him!!
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not sure how I get to day @15
hi- just set up my acct I’m on day 15 in the advent study
Definitely feeling heavy, worn out, and ready to let go.
Amennn I love this !!
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Amen
So true!
Amen
Needing these to feel the joy of Christmas that it should bring people this year.
During the holiday season the goodness of God always brings me comfort and peace. Everything is as it should be
Feeling the joy of spending Christmas with our son who wasn’t promised life when he was born. It’s been 5 years since we spent our first Christmas as a family in the hospital as he recovered from open heart surgery. Now he is making Christmas lists and baking cookies with us ❤️ thanking God, our healer, this season.
Rooted in Joy. Joy that glimpses through the hardships of life, because Jesus paid it all and through and with Him it is all possible
I really needed this because I have been feeling so heavy and worn out
I’m am going through my second divorce. I have lived with a functioning alcoholic for 11 years- I tried to save him, I lost myself. God led me out. I am living paycheck to paycheck waiting for the divorce to be final. I lay it all at your feet Lord.
I am praying for you!
Thank you ❤️
Praying for you. I was married to a function alcoholic for 28 years. He passed away from cirrhosis a month ago. It’s so hard. I’m praying for you to get back on your feet. I’m praying your husband will chose to get help. Tell him cirrhosis is a hard thing to go through. My husband would have told him to stop now before it’s to late
I’m in the wake of grief, my 15yr Australian Shepherd, we put down last week. Jesus is my comfort! Amen!
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Amen
I needed this today.❤️
Amen
This brought me comfort.
Amen <3
I needed this.
I love this mindset for advent. It definitely rings true for me.
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Amen
Amen! So thankful for His coming!
Amen ♥️
Starting late but here for it!
What a blessing this is!
Exciting to start my first Advent! Woo hoo!
With an expectant heart, Jesus, what do you have for me in this season?
Wow this is absolutely beautiful. I’m so glad I got the email reminding me it’s not too late to jump in!! Woo hoo
Love it ❤️
I am so very thankful for this study and for every person involved in any way to provide this for us. It has helped me become disciplined in studying Gods word and my time with Him! Thankful for the reason we celebrate this season and what Jesus did on the cross for us all. Hope everyone has a Blessed & Merry Christmas!
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I love the approach of getting deep into the Old Testament this advent. Excited for what’s to come!❤️
Beautiful!
I am in the midst of one of the most painful times of my life…so this really touches me. It is no different than when Christ was born into the world…right in the midst of our human suffering. Emmanuel…God with us! It means a lot to me this year, especially!
So grateful that the hope Jesus offers meets me right where I am.
Waiting on my printed copy so I’m starting here! ❤️❤️❤️
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I feel like I could have written parts of this myself! The anticipation of Advent being a different pace than the rest of the year just because of it’s name only to still be met with so much life that can get in the way of the enjoying is such a challenge each year. Thank you for calling attention to it!
Wow, this is beautifully written and I can feel the urgency in your call to the readers to meet our God in this season. Thank you!
Amen
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Starting a couple of days late because of daily life struggles. So this was exactly what I needed to hear and the right moment.
Right?!
I’m so thankful for this Advent study…it is exactly what I need right now!
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Amen . ♥️
Amen!
I’m ready to lay down all the loads I’m carrying and soak into the presence of God during this study!
Amen!
Amanda’s words are heaven sent— we just lost a family member to suicide and this Christmas we need His comfort and joy in a whole new way. He IS near.
I have never really been religious but have recently started to believe in something higher. I chose this subscription to find the messages of the Bible. I am going through a particularly rough time in my life right now and reading this very first part of the advent study has made so much sense to me and truly resonated with this difficult time in my life.
Kerry, so thankful you are searching! This is a great place to do that. Prayers that you will find the love and grace of Jesus during this Advent season. This devotion spoke to me also as my dad passed away this fall and we were very close.
This reading is very comforting to me. Right now I am in a homeless shelter and need to feel God near. He is Emmanuel, He is with me.
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Yes, Lord! May this Advent study increase my gratitude for all you have done and stir in me a deeper longing for your return. Amen.
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Hoping this study helps me find joy in this season.
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“It shows up on the middle of real life” woah that’s good.
Christmas finds us in the throws of everyday life. Ain’t that the truth ❤️
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Merry Christmas everyone!
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Thank you Jesus that you will meet us right where we are this Advent season!
Amen
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I need to lean into the
comfort and joy this season affords In this world hearts will still break but the
Comforter has come.
It’s telling me to slow down and spend more time with the Lord.. and asking him what it is he wants to show me this advent..
“Christ comes to bring light and life to us right where we are”!
That is such a profound point. Christmas comes every year no matter what we are going through or how life is looking for us at that moment. He meets us where we are! <3
I love how it said we have a longing to be with Christ till He comes again! During this season with the busy and constant rushing, my soul yearns to be still and be with Him. This is a fantastic reminder that one day He will return!
I found this verse and writing extremely encouraging this morning. It helped me focus on Jesus being in the midst of all my problems and uncertainty, and it helped calmed my anxiety I was suffering with this morning. Thank you
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Excited for the advent ❤️
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I’m loving this advent already!
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A great reminder during this season that can always get so busy, that He is coming and will come again ❤️
Such a beautiful devo to go with the reading yesterday!!
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Good morning. I look forward to joining you as we are intentional in our focus of the Advent of Christ!
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Sweet words and prayer to begin this season ❤️
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I haven’t been in an SRT study for awhile and I immediately found the faithfulness of God to have me here. The words “the fatigue of family strife” is weighing heavy on my heart this Christmas. Grateful to begin to remind myself that Christ is the only source of comfort and joy in it. Thank you SRT team!
Yes me too. I pray God will give you strength to carry the weight and that He will ease your burden. The joy of the Lord is our strength and praise God we are entering a joyous season.
Looking forward to this study!
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I intentionally woke up early this morning to spend time with the Jesus. I came across this reading plan, and I’m so happy I did. Reading all of your comments has been so encouraging. Excited to be a apart of this with you all
Acknowledging that we are “weary” is important because it helps us to understand and realize that life IS hard. We are not spared hardship or troubles. This is why looking forward to Christ’s return and rejoicing at his birth is so wonderful and worth celebrating!
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Ready and expectantly waiting.
My first morning spending it slowly with scripture. Glad to be on this journey with you all! ♥️
This is my first SRT study! I’m excited to join you all this Advent season!
I am ready
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What a season I am in to need to lay it down to receive His comfort and joy. His timing is perfect ❤️
Amen!
I wasn’t planning on doing this study, but I’ve found myself here. Excited to start!
Amen
Excited to start this study❤️
First advant. Excited to dive in and learn more ❤️
So excited for this season ❤️
This is my first SRT study, so excited to make this a priority for this busy season.
Mine too Mindy.
same!
I can’t wait to dig into these next chapters and be reminded yet again of God’s blessings, love, mercy and His incredible plan to send His Son to redeem His people back to Himself because of how we stray. Christmas has long been my favorite time of year and I pray and hope that I can share His joy with others and that everyone remembers the true reason for this season – Jesus and God’s plan for redemption from sin.
“This ordinary, in-process life is precisely where God meant to meet us.”
What a gift. What a God!
Excited for this study.
Also my first Advent and bible study, exited ❤️
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May this season be the season of transformation for all of us!
I am thankful to be here, praying to live life with more intention this advent season. Thankful for our God who is always near.
Excited for the next few weeks of this Bible study!
I’m excited to do this study!
i was just talking with some friends about John 1:5! yes there is darkness in this world, but it cannot overcome the light of Jesus and the hope of the Christmas story, can’t wait to study with you all!
Excited to be doing this advent study with my sisters ❤️
I’m excited to do this study. I’ve been wanting to celebrate Advent for a few years and have never set aside the time. This year I’m going to though.
Welcome it’s my favorite study of the year!
Happy to be here ❤️
” here in the world He created and LOVES and is COMMITTED TO REDEEMING.” ❤️ Amen!
Looking forward to reading and participating through the Advent season!
Happy first day of advent- excited to do this study with you all❤️
I’m excited for my first Advent study, and I’m so amazed at how many of us are doing this for the first time!
I recently lost my husband. This morning I realized that he will see the season from the “other” side this year. As we wait and pray and prepare, his work is finished.All of the promises have been fulfilled for him. What a glorious picture. ❤️
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Ann, I am so sorry for your loss. I lost my precious husband this year too. What a glorious Advent season they will celebrate this year indeed! ❤️
Lindsay, I’m sure you miss your husband terribly. “…he will see the “season” from the other side is a beautiful demonstration of faith. I pray God’s comfort and peace in your heart.
My first Advent study! I’m so excited❤️
My husband, mom, best friend and I each have the advent journal. I’ve been diving back into intentional time with the Lord. I am excited to dive into this season and slow down to focus on truth and love. ❤️
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Looking forward to a reflective, waiting season and to see what God has for me this Advent!
Looking forward to intentionally slowing down and sinking into Him this season as we celebrate the original love story.
So thankful to be here alongside so many hearts focused on drawing closer to Christ during this advent time.
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Looking forward to my advent sessions this season. God will meet us where we are at and bring calm to the Christmas chaos. ❤️
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I had the privilege of listening to my son preach from the first chapter of Colossians today about finding the miraculous in the ordinary… then this! Grateful to be here!
so excited for this
Today we had our first snow fall of the season. This morning , as I watched the sun sparkle on the snow while I laid next to my sweet baby, I couldn’t help but feel all the anticipation of this new season. Excitement, but also a deep longing for it to go slow so we can remember to enjoy the little things. I am so grateful for the daily reminders of the simple, yet most profound, meaning of Christmas – Christ.
I am excited to be doing this!!
First purchased study and im very excited!
Looking forward to my first Advent study with everyone ❤️
So excited to be doing this with all of you and my youth group ❤️❤️
Why do we have to pay 1.99 to read the devo?
Not for the devo per se, it’s the cost for access through the app for those who use their phones for the study. I use the website for the devo/comments and also have the study book I can use for Scripture and additional content. The books are really well done.
Excited to be here with you all. This is my first advent study as well.
Excited to be intentional with all of you ❤️
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So excited for this study!
I’m doing two Advent bible this year. The SRT and another on the bible app I have. So far both have been extremely encouraging and uplifting.
Yay!!!!
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This is my first advent study!
Mine as well.
This is my first Advent study. I am so excited to see what God will teach me and us!!!
Love adventure season
A beautiful way to restart and roll into the new year!
Excited about this journey.
CASSANDRA CORDERO… Annie F. downs will be on the SRT podcast this week… listen in!
163 comments now, MARI V!
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Welcome or welcome back, sweet She’s!
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Happy Advent!
Advent is a season I am excited to learn more about. Praying I Will have the courage and strength to lay all my burdens at the feet of Jesus.
I’m excited to do this adventure study! ❤️
So excited to partner with all of you this Advent season!
Looking forward to diving deeper & truly appreciating this Advent season for what God intended it to be.
So excited to finally be starting this!
So excited to be more intentional about celebrating Advent this year. ❤️
Me too, sister.
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Looking forward to anchoring myself in Gods word, through this chaotic season may it bring moments of peace and contentment which i can carry into my day.
The hope of heaven. Thank you Jesus
I’m returning to SRT after a long time away and knew the Advent is where I need to start. And what a powerful, truthful beginning ❤️
Same!!!
Excited for this Advent study! ❤️
I love the anticipatory feel of Advent each year. Looking forward to this study and seeing the hope for the Messiah and its fulfillment in Jesus.
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Such a beautiful start to this advent season! Looking forward to leaning into the comfort of Christ, and finding deep joy in Him as we await His second coming!
Excited about this years advent. I love the reminder off that bat that Jesus came in the midst of the the ordinary and uncertain.
Looking forward to laying down my load and leaning into Christ. ❤️
I am so excited to go through this Advent season with other women of God. A glorious time of year.
So excited about this study!
This is my first time joining this community, but I’ve followed She Reads Truth through That Sounds Fun for years now! I’m looking forward to honoring God together during this season.
Ready for God to meet me right where I am and help me prepare my heart for Advent and Christmas. Thankful for this study & I am joined by my Bible study group of 4 other wonderful ladies.
Beautiful beginning ❤️
Love this beginning
Welcome to Advent everybody whether you’re new or not.
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Happy first day of advent!
Have a blessed advent ♥️
Ready to slow down and reflect on our Savior and keep my focus on him this Advent..
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I need God to come near to me this season.
Greetings Shes
First Sunday of Advent!
Awaiting Him the First & Foremost!
Here we go!
Here He comes!
Let us do this!
In rhythm.
In righteousness.
Hope Filled.
Peace Filled.
Joy Filled.
Love Filled.
Love this!!♥️ Thanks, Gwineth!!
Amen and may God bless us all this advent season.
So happy to see so many new sisters joining us for the Advent study! I am looking forward to “meeting” each day with you all! Come Lord Jesus! Prepare our hearts! ❤️
❤ Amen!
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Thanks for acknowledging the fatigue of family challenges…. for once in a Bible study, it’s *really* nice to be SEEN instead of the invisible anomaly…
❤️My first year here in this community … so looking forward this season! ❤️
Amen..❤️
This is always my favorite study of the year!
Mine, too! ❤
Ninety-one comments on this First Day of Advent!! I started late as I slept through my alarm and took my time to get to the comments. I queued God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen by Phil Wickham to listen to “again” in the car on my way to church! Happy FIRST day of Advent sweet She’s!!!
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I’m so so excited to see be apart of this advent season.. the current season of my life has been disconnected and I’m hoping to slow down and reconnect which I know is crazy for this this time of year but I’m here to hear him.
I definitely feel the ache of life during this season. We have been struggling financially and my marriage has been very strained due to that. Praying that this time I can really lean into the Lord’s joy and comfort and overwhelming peace. Excited to see what this study reveals in my heart.
I love this perspective and can so relate to the anticipation/expectation differing from the reality of life happening when advent actually arrives. What a sigh of relief-again another reminder we don’t have to have it all together to come before the Lord, but we come as we are, in the midst of the everyday. Excited for this mindset as we enter into advent
Look forward to this advent…..❤️
“The tidings of comfort and joy that we sing about are comforting and joyful because Christmas finds us in the throes of everyday life.”
FEELING THIS! Can’t wait to to go through this study and focus my heart where it needs to be (this season and all the other days of the year)!
Amen!
Somehow this scripture seems so fitting for this season . . .
NOW may the God of HOPE fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him so that you may overflow with HOPE by the power of the Holy Spirit. ~ Romans 15:13
He brings hope, joy AND peace to us in the middle of our everydays. All glory to God for His precious gift!
Amen! Looking forward to this plan and advent season.
The absolute relief that He came to us!
I can’t remember how many Advent studies I have done with She Reads Truth but I’m fairly certain this is my 6th or 7th one. Looking forward to beginning my mornings in my book and with you ladies online.
Good morning, I’m so excited to walk through this season again with you all.
Happened on this because I wondered when it started and here I am. Ready to lean in with my SRT sisters! Ready to know Jesus more!
Good morning and happy Advent season! God’s blessings to you all as we seek a greater recognition of his presence and savor his goodness.
Amen. Thank You Emanuel!
I’m so excited for to be jumping into Advent, been doing Advent with SRT since 2019!
Just discovered SRT with the Give Thanks series and looking forward to going through the Advent book. The devotional today was exactly what I needed to start off this season. So thankful God meets us right in the midst of where we are at.
Faith
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Love
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Hope
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Equals Jesus.
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Yes! The gospel is bearing fruit and growing throughout the whole world, even if – at times it doesn’t appear so. God is at work preparing the world for the coming of the Messiah – once again! Hallelujah!
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May each of you have a blessed day today as we worship our Savior, Lord, and King! ❤️❤️
Perfect reminder. God isn’t looking for perfection, He is here to meet us right in the middle of our mess. God is with us!
Amen! I needed this reminder today!
Advent is here! Wow….amazing to see so many comments so early and so many new names. Welcome to all.
“The tidings of comfort and joy that we sing about are comforting and joyful because Christmas finds us in the throes of everyday life. Christ comes to bring light and life to us right where we are.”
What plain and true words Amanda has reminded us of today as we begin Advent. The goings on in our lives dont just cease because, “Hooray, Christmas is here and therefore let all frustrations, failings, hardships, suffering and sorrow cease and be set aside.” We can’t set aside any of it and praise the Lord, He meets us where we are at and He is our hope. Looking forward to pressing in on the further understanding the great hope we have in Jesus.
Lord, we are here, ready, eager waiting to know you, to see you. Draw us in Father, lead us, show us, speak to our hearts as we abide in your presence and lift our hands to you. Amen✝️
Thank you for your prayers yesterday. The shower was nice and the travels/drive just fine, clear roads, sunshine. The lightly snow covered prairie fields and heavily frosted trees were just a lovely sight.
I’m grateful for this time to slow down and celebrate the birth of our lord & savior
Hi everyone! Excited to start this study with you all! ❤️ I am expecting my second baby in a few weeks, so I’m excited to not only slow down and prepare for her, but to grow and slow down in this season celebrating our Savior! God is so so good!
Christmas in the uncertainty of what’s next
This is so beautifully, achingly true. Life is never certain. But we know the One who is always certain
Hi everyone. I’m so thankful for SRT, this beautiful advent plan. I long to soak it all in; gonna listen to the Advent playlist while I get ready for church today! Happy first day of Advent. So thankful He meets us where we are. ♥️
God is so good!
Good morning to the familiar She’s and a special welcome to all the new ladies who are joining this special group! So thankful that God stooped down to dwell with us – right in the middle of all the mess. Yesterday my husband and I attended the funeral of the 19 year old son of our friends. Oh, how we need the hope that advent brings! For all of you starting advent with an empty chair at the table, my heart is with you. ❤️
I am so sorry for this terrible, hurting loss for your friends. Praying for them.
“Right in the middle of our mess…” Amen to that! My pastor talked about Hope in our pain as well today for Advent. And he said life, relationships, raising kids, marriage…all of it is going to be messy. But you can make it a bad mess or a good mess! A good mess always puts Jesus in it with us!
Praying for you right now. ❤️
This will be my husband‘s first Christmas without his dad. And my mother-in-law‘s first Christmas without her husband. We all know where he is and are grateful, but I’m sure this will be a difficult time for them. Please keep them in your prayers.
Will do, dearest Tricia! ❤️
I’m so excited to do this Advent study with you beautiful ladies!
In between the now and the not yet.
God is so awesome to be with us in our waiting.
Blessed first Sunday of Advent, Sisters!
Good morning, ladies. This will be my first Christmas without my momma. I’m looking forward to seeing how the Lord will display His peace and comfort to me in this season. I feel like I’m going to learn how to lean into the Father in unique ways.
Praying so much for you as you walk through this bittersweet season without your mama. All did the firsts and be so very hard. But I’m so thankful that we grieve with hope.
The first holiday season definitely seems the hardest after a loss! Praying peace and comfort over you as you walk through this holiday season.
So sorry Latonya, I’m farther in that journey than you and it is so painful. Prayers for you and lean into Christ.
Me too! Sending prayers dear sister.
I am looking forward to reading with everyone this Advent season. I always look forward to these reading plans. I love how Advent is relevant to my day to day life♥️
I am so excited to begin this advent journey with each of you. This season has always been my favorite. It always harkens me back to the sense of wonder and expectation that I remember from my childhood. ❤️
I’m excited, this season does the same for me.
Hello all. This is my first Advent study. I am recently single and in a new town so this holiday season is looking a LOT different from those past. I am hoping that by taking the time to focus on this study each day and draw closer to God, the loneliness and heaviness will start to lift.
praying for you!
Praying for you as you lean into the One Who is able to meet you where you are and love you so well.
We’re glad you’re here!!
Looking forward to this study! I’m going through it with a few friends. The Advent book is absolutely beautiful! My word this season is: Intentional. Life is passing by too fast and can feel like a hamster wheel. I need to slow down and be intentional with family and friends or I will miss out.
I love how this is a reminder of God being in the midst of our daily grind… that He continues to pursue within the pain and everything else and offer us hope and joy
Hi everyone! SRT Advent Studies were part of my holiday tradition for several years, but I fell away from doing them. It has been rough few years and I felt a stirring that I needed be part of this year’s Advet study. Excited to share this season with you all. ❤️
This is awesome! Welcome back!
Welcome back!!
welcome back Caitlin.. Looking forward to the journey together..❤️
Hi ladies, I’m new here. I think I saw that there is a podcast that is supposed to be a part of this study too?
Hi Lauren- the podcast is how I discovered SRT. They post every Monday. Discussion is thoughtful, interesting and exciting.
Hi Lauren. The podcast will be on Mondays
a jolly BIG welcome, Lauren..❤️
Hello everyone. It is such an honor and privilege to study alongside you. This is my first Advent study and my first study with She Reads Truth. I am excited to grow and learn together ❤️✝️
Welcome, Joni!
a jolly BIG welcome to you Carol H…❤️
Welcome Joni!! We’re glad you’re here.
I really love Amanda’s words. It is a much needed reminder.
I love the realness of recognizing how December comes every year in the middle of real life. So relatable to me. It gives me hope and a kind nudge to remember it’s about Christ. So excited to continue this plan!
My heart is drawn to the comfort He brings. This time last year we were facing homelessness, we were stressed and fearful seeing no way forward- BUT GOD, not only did He give us a Christmas miracle but He brought a beautiful peace into our hearts.
What an awesome example of God’s bounty and blessings…
.. BUT GOD.. He is in every detail of our lives, even and especially when we think he isnt..
Looking forward to our walking through the advent season together, Christine..❤️
Hello K. What a great intention. Happy First Sunday of Advent!! may we all grow in the Lord together ❤️ this is my one year anniversary- I started last year at Advent. My son purchased it for me and I’ve been in it ever since. Very thankful.
Hello everyone! This is my first post, but I’ve been studying with you for several years. This December will mark the 2nd anniversary of my husband’s passing. My intention for this Advent is to focus on the promise that I will see him again and until I do, the Lord comforts me beyond my understanding. Happy first day of Advent! ♥️♥️
God bless you for clinging to Jesus in your grief: may you find glimmers in the darkness!♥️
Blessings and peace to you!
Hi K! I pray you would see God’s hand of peace & comfort as you walk through this holiday season.
K O,prayerful you will feel His love and presence in each days devotional. He is near.. Emmanuel, God with us..❤️
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Let us not be dismayed – Christ our Savior was born and came into our world! What a timely reminder in this busy season to take comfort and joy even now because of the love and mercy of Jesus.
“Christ comes to bring light and life to us right where we are.” Thank you Lord Jesus!
Amen ✝️
I’m so excited to celebrate this Advent of 2025. Advent studies have made Christmas more focused on what is the main Reason for the season. Thank you, She Reads Truth for helping to keep our hearts focus on why the tree is lit, why the songs change this time of the year, and where our Hope is founded.
Amen!! So perfectly put to start Advent 25! The season doesn’t “instantly” look wonderful…our mundane, hard, sick (chronic pain), grief- life continues, YET..we have HOPE! He came and he is coming back!
What a truth that gives us hope in no matter what we have gone through past, present and future!
The Weary World Rejoices…in hope, faith, truth, and trust!!
Thank you Jesus!! Thank you Father God, for the plan of redemption!!
May we look beyond our circumstances this week and on- to the redemption plan!
I know as the hard surrounds me- going to jail each week, my nephew being in jail, my chronic pain, I KNOW that there is purpose in the pain if we keep leaning in to the Savior. The one that cares and comforts, and gives us a JOY in the hard, because we will see salvation!
In fact, I am so glad that Advent is here right now in the weary, the struggle, to take my focus to him, the birth of the babe, that has changed the world as a whole, and my own situation. I am filled with Hope, Peace, love, and Joy!! Amen
Amen, Rhonda ❤️
Yes, the weary world rejoices.
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And that is how I’ve been feeling lately…weary.
Life is hard.
It’s messy.
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But God.
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Keeping my focus on Jesus is the only way I get thru this messy, hard life.
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Prayers for you in your hard parts, Rhonda.
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Gramsiesue.. i am sorry for your troubles, praying for and with youin this season..❤️
Amen Rhonda.. praying for you and yours in and thriugh the storm.. GOD with us..❤️
Sisters,I encourage you to read the full chapter!
Such beautiful HOPE! ☺
Colossians 1:15-17 (excerpt[v.16])
15 Christ is the visible image of the invisible God.
He existed before anything was created and is supreme over all creation,
16 for through him God created everything
in the heavenly realms and on earth….
Everything was created through him and for him.
17 He existed before anything else,
and he holds all creation together.
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Note from John MacArthur Study Bible:
“the hope which is laid up….
The believer’s hope is inseparable from his faith. See Rom. 5:2; 1 Pet. 1:3–5.
the gospel….
The Gr. word lit. means “good news,” and was used in classical Greek to express the good news of victory in a battle. The gospel is the good news of Christ’s victory over Satan, sin, and death.”
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Note from Wiersbe NKJV Study Bible:
“The gospel is the good news that Jesus Christ has solved the problem of sin through His death, burial, and resurrection. The word “gospel” means “good news.” Unfortunately, some people witness as though the gospel is the bad news of condemnation.”
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Two great explanations of the gospel!
Which one do we project to the world?
May we recognize opportunities to share the gospel of HOPE during this advent season and our busyness.
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Love, hugs, and prayers! Celebrate Jesus in person somewhere today if at all possible!
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Oh that Wiersbe note, Cee Gee! Sometimes in my anxiety over where folks will spend eternity, I forget that’s not the best place to start. The gospel is Good News!! Great reminder.
Which one do we project? It requires a balance, for sure. Sharing the gospel of hope without totally downplaying the importance & urgency of making a decision for the Lord. May today be the day for the lost.
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Amen! Such a great reminder that Christmas is here to bring us a gospel hope exactly where we are in life, in joy or difficulty. Excited to read along with you all this Advent season!
Thank you Amanda for reminding us God meets us where we are in every season and advent is no exception.
Thank you, God for sending your perfect son. We eagerly await his second advent.
So needed to be reminded of this!
How timely is this verse of the day on Biblegatrwsy???!!!
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2nd Peter 3:10-11 NLT
But the day of the Lord will come as unexpectedly as a thief. Then the heavens will pass away with a terrible noise, and the very elements themselves will disappear in fire, and the earth and everything on it will be found to deserve judgment. Since everything around us is going to be destroyed like this, what holy and godly lives you should live,
Love this connection ❤️
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Amanda, thank you, “The tidings of comfort and joy that we sing about are comforting and joyful because Christmas finds us in the throes of everyday life.”
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O so true.
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Be blessed as you gather with your church family to worship on this first Sunday of advent, the Sunday of Hope.
Yes, that was a great line!
Abba, thank You for this season of joy and wonder that You would come and dwell among us! Thank You for being with us in all circumstances, some will say “Where is your God” but we know the truth You never leave us nor do You forsake us!
Thank you, for reminding me that God is faithful!
Amen..❤️
Amen and Amen
Jesus came to dwell in us in EVERY stage of life, not just in the good, but in the hard and broken times too – He is always near.
Amen
Thank you God for the Advent season! I pray that You would help me lean into Your grace and mercy as I extend it to others. Help me to be obedient to Your Holy Spirit’s prompting when I feel it. Re-awaken a spirit of joy in my life that spills over onto my family.
Life is hard and there is darkness in our world. But, He came to be with us in the hard and shine a light in that darkness. Thank you for coming, Jesus!
Tune my heart to You! To sing Your praise, despite anything else! Keep my eyes focused on You this season, every season, every day, every moment! Jesus, I love You!
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Looking forward to keeping our focus on Jesus this Advent season with you, Ladies! (Although I’m not sure how 2025 is almost over!!) From our devotion: ” He [Jesus] is “the one and only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth”. He is the light who “shines in the darkness, and yet the darkness did not overcome it”. And from Colossians 1:5, Jesus is the One who brings us hope of what is laid up for us in heaven (as we just finished reading about in Revelation!)
Blessings on your Sunday and on this Advent season.
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Amen
Thank you for a perspective much needed when things are definitely everyday, mundane, challenging and not what was hoped for. But our God is everything we hope for and more.
Amen..❤️
Dear Beloved Lord Jesus, Thank you for Coming to Save us! You are coming back soon! We are so excited to see what you have in store for us Lord. Come Lord Jesus come, have your way in our Hearts today. We surrender our lives to you. SAVE US! HEAL US! DELIVER US! SET US FREE! FILL US WITH YOUR HOPE, JOY, PEACE, & LOVE!
What a beautiful reminder that the sorrows and hardship of this world do not “pause” during Advent, but we can still draw near to Christ despite the hardships! Our hope is in Him, not in momentary, earthly peace.
..because of the hope reserved for you in heaven. You have already heard about this hope in the word of truth, the gospel…
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Tell me again..
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Remind me once more..
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Re-awaken my SOUL again..
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Recentre my HEART to hear once more.
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Re-ignite that spark..
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Of the HOPE reserved for us, for me in heaven..
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Gather again, within me, the TRUTH I have heard.
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I have read,
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I have felt.
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I have seen.
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l have known.
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Tell me again, the story of JESUS..
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Tell me the story of Jesus,
write on my heart ev’ry word;
tell me the story most precious,
sweetest that ever was heard.
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Tell me.
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I’m here.
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Ready.
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Waiting.
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Listening..
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BUT GOD..
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AMEN..
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Happy Sunday dear hearts, Happiest of Sundays being prayed over each of you as we begin the Advent season, in love, grace, open minds… HOPE..
I love you, muchly..❤️❤️❤️
Beautifully said, Tina❣️
Thank you.
Beautiful ❤️
Amanda, thank you, “The tidings of comfort and joy that we sing about are comforting and joyful because Christmas finds us in the throes of everyday life.”
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O so true.
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Be blessed as you gather with your church family to worship on this first Sunday of advent, the Sunday of Hope.
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Remind
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Re-awaken
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Recentre
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Re-ignite
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HOPE
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Tina, sister, those look like chapter titles! perfectky stated; thank you! Much love back to you! ❤
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So beautiful, sister ❤️
I’m with you, Tina!!
Thank you for this call to begin our Advent season ❤️
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Well said, Tina! This also made me think of the hymn I Love To Tell the Story.
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