In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. All things were created through him, and apart from him not one thing was created that has been created. In him was life, and that life was the light of men. That light shines in the darkness, and yet the darkness did not overcome it.
—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 for ever. Amen.
—The Book of Common Prayer
Yet in thy dark streets shineth the everlasting light; The hopes and fears of all the years are met in Thee tonight.
—O Little Town of Bethlehem
Friends, it’s finally time. Welcome to Advent 2021! Today is the day when the months of dreaming, planning, and preparation give way to this sacred moment: hundreds of thousands of women around the world opening their Bibles together to anticipate and contemplate the birth of the Savior, Jesus Christ.
There’s a reason this season is so special to us. It’s the time of year when we slow down and prepare our hearts for the celebration to come. We turn down the volume on the noise around us and return our attention to the God who rescues us. We read the first promises of the Savior in the Old Testament and watch expectantly as they are fulfilled in the New. We remember the weight of our spiritual darkness and train our eyes to look for the Light.
This is our tenth Advent together as a community (can you believe it?!), and each one has come with its own circumstances, heartaches, and hopes. But the centerpiece of this season is always and only Jesus Christ. He is in the Scripture we’ll read and the prayers we’ll pray. We celebrate the joy of His birth with every carol we sing and every gift we wrap. Each twinkle light and snowfall and sleigh bell echoes the wonder of Immanuel, “God is with us” (Matthew 1:23).
This Advent reading plan we’re starting today will testify to our hearts once again that Jesus Christ is the embodiment of God’s promise to bring light to a dark world. We invite you to come back every day over the next five weeks as we read our Bibles together, preparing our hearts to celebrate Christmas Day with deeper joy and understanding to walk into the New Year with renewed hope in Jesus Christ. He alone is our everlasting light.
Written by Amanda Bible Williams
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309 thoughts on "A Prayer for the First Sunday of Advent"
“ Jesus Christ is the embodiment of gods promise to bring white to a dark world”. Love this statement!
Coming into the season of advent is like pulling up a cozy warm blanket with a soothing cup of coffee with whipped cream on top! God soothes my soul with Hope and Joy and the shalom that comes from dwelling on how He came for us….how He is still coming for us in each of our lives personally….and how He has promised that He is going to come back for us to take us Home to be with Him forever. We are the people of the Light and people of the Hope given in all our Jesus has done for us.
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Starting this plan. Finally. But it’s never too late! I’m so excited to relish in our Messiah’s birth.
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It’s the New Year! I’m starting The Advent study today. I fell in love with it while listening to the Podcast, and decided it’s never too late to slow down and focus on the gift that was born to us!
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So thankful for this!
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Me too, Maggie! You are not alone ❤️
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So thankful for advent!
I debated starting this plan back before Advent had even started, very much wish I had. However, I am starting now and truly hoping to catch up in time for Christmas! Because, I know my spiritual life is in need of attention. Very glad I have started.
That was the Holy Spirit whispering to you. ♥️ I’m praying huge blessings over you Maggie, as you encounter more of Jesus and who you are in Him this Christmas.
I maybe arriving late to this Advent plan but I’m no less excited. This year my usual traditions have been put on hold as I walk through the passing of my mum last month. I’ve sought to find the green shoot of Advent. Here’s to a stripped back, clutter free journey to Bethlehem and Jesus. Grateful for your resource.
So thankful for the reminder of His light this evening as I read this, and this season overall!
Lord thank you for the word!
Yes!!!
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I’m so behind but looking forward to settling in and catching up. It’s been such a difficult 4 months of loss and changes but she reads has truly been a blessing in helping to keep me in The word and reminded GOD is with me. Bless each and everyone of you ♥️
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Reaching out for His joy
I’m just getting started and going to try to finish before Christmas Day without rushing.
I’m just getting started, going to try to finish before Christmas Day but not rush through any of it.
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I’m a little late because I forgot I was able to do this in the app. I’m so happy to get caught up ❤️
Believing that I can place my focus back onto what God is doing in this season. ✨
Love John 1:4-5! Kept writing it down!
I’m a little late starting this! But this passage was definitely something I’ve been needing! ❤️
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I love the image of Jesus being light in this dark world.
I love the image of Jesus being the light in this dark world.
So glad to be starting this! Even if I’m a little bit late, Gods word is always right on time❤️
Also a bit late to this reading, but I am hoping to reflect more on the real meaning of Christmas, to think more about the significance of the coming of Christ. Its easy to forget about the real meaning of Christmas, and lose sight of the beauty we have in Christ.
Same!
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Starting late, too, but will catch up!
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Amen
In order to reach the end of the study before Christmas what day should we be on? Day 15 right?
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Diving in a little late, but so very excited!
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Week late too! But I am looking forward to slowing down and catching up
Started late. Hoping to catch up.
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Amen
Starting a week late too but won’t let that hinder me from going through this study!
Getting a week late start!
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He is the Light!
amen
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Thank you God for the chance to start again with you ❤️
Trying to catch up! Pray for me as I try make reading, praying, and just my life also my children lives focused on God. Especially since they want lots of presents! I’m trying to teach them that’s not what Christmas is all about.
Trying to catch up! Pray for me as I try make reading, praying, and just my life also my children lives focused on God. Especially since they want lots of presents! I’m teaching them that’s not what it’s all
Amen
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Amen
Excited for this Advent season ❤️
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Amen
Click on the top and go back
How do I move on to the next day in the devotional?
I can’t figure out how to move to the next day. Help!
Amen!
Amen
Seeking light in times of darkness. I am very happy to find it again in the Word
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Looking forward to this season.
So glad for this reminder- love thus time of year but it has it’s challenges
So glad for this reminder- love thus time of year but it comes with
I’m thankful for this time to remember the beautiful gift of Jesus!
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Excited for my 1st advent. I expect this season to have more meaning to me than before
It’s interesting to me that I never have done an advent before and this year I’m doing 2 of them, one with women’s Bible study and this one, I’m so excited to see what God is going to do with me
Looking forward to this season ❤️
Amen!
Amen! ❤️ May I sit in the quiet every morning seeking Him! Thankful for our Immanuel!
A thrill of hope, the weary world rejoices! For yonder a new glorious morn ☀️ The light of the world has come! So thankful for this season!!!!
“The hopes and fears of all the years are met in thee tonight…” – O Little Town of Bethlehem
I lost my dad last year aroun this time to a sudden stroke. It’s been a rough year and I have felt angry at God, among all the other emotions and tears and prayers. I am hoping this year to quiet my heart once more… or rather that He will quiet me with His love.
Praying for peace to be present in this season of chaos. Thankful for this truth!
Me too mama, this has been a struggle of mine too. I pray you will find the Lord in a wonderful way this Advent – Emmanuel, God is with us x
Desperately wanting to turn down the noise!
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Thank you for sharing, Mona. The article is beautiful! ♥️
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❤️ turning down the noise. Opening my ears and heart. Okay God. I hear you.
Wonderful opening devotional n for the advent season. Honestly, I feel so distant from the Lord and I miss him. Being a mom of 2pm very young children has unfortunately caused me to put my time with God in the back burner. I desperately need to “return home”. I’m humbling asking for your prayers that my heart would be focused in Christ this Christmas and going forward. Thank you for praying for me and for this lovely devotional and community!
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Excited for this! ❤️
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Turn down the noise around us.. That part really stuck with me! I love this time of the year because everything about this season is a constant reminder of the Lord and His greatness. It allows us to pause and reflect on His grace and mercy throughout the year as well as prepare for the new. Christmas for me is a renewal. I’m entering with a grateful heart that He has allowed me to see this year through and excited for what’s next.
“We turn down the noise around us and return our attention to the God who rescues us” I love this part but think it’s interesting how much we have to battle for this.
It’s almost as if you aren’t fighting against it the noise of the secular side gets turned up and the hustle and bustle distracts. May it not be so of God’s people- may we slow down and return our attention.
“We turn down the noise around us and return our attention to the God who rescues us” I love this part but think it’s interesting how much we have to battle for this.
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I wish I could have gotten the actual book but I just found out about she reads truth. So I was too late to get the actual book. But it really hits home. Thank you ladies for all you do.
I am so excited for this study! Thanks to all who have put the work in to prepare it for us ❤️
I feel blessed to do this study and spend time each day with my Lord and Savior. My sweet sister bought this for me as a birthday gift and I think it’s so special we get to do it together even though we live far apart!
So excited for this study!
Looking for the light in this time of darkness.
Just started the study, I loved where it said “we turn down the noise around us and return our attention to the God who rescues us” what hope we have in Jesus!
Me to , I loved where it said return our attention to the God who rescues us!
I’m blessed to be doing this study that my daughter invited me to share with her. I’m in Florida and she’s in California so this is our beautiful connection for Christmas this year.
Can’t wait to begin this study !
So excited to dig into this study as we focus our eyes and hearts on Jesus Christ – Immanuel, the centerpiece of Christmas!
Lord, please work in me to be a light in the darkness…
Praying for myself and my family to focus our hope on the Light!
So excited for this time of Advent!
I am so excited for this study!
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So excited for this advent study!
So excited for this this. Christmas always makes me hopeful. Thank you Jesus for being so beautiful. We need your light very much, right now and always. May we never grow accustomed to it.
So excited for this! Christmas always makes me hopeful. Thank you Jesus for coming when the even planet itself is darkest.
So excited for this! Chsritmas am
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Thank you for putting this devotional together♥️
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Amen, very excited to study with you ladies.
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This is my first advent study. So excited for this.
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so good!!
As always SRT does an excellent job putting together the Advent study. This one looks so special.
Beautiful!
Ready to focus on the Light and prepare my heart for this Christmas❤️
This is my first time doing any advent study. I’m so excited!! We are in the middle of a 20 day quarantine and the study has helped my mind shift to embrace the forced slow down and re align our priorities for this season (and life!) I’m excited to journey with you all!
So excited! Just starting today after listening to the podcast. Grateful for this resource and community! ❤️
Always look forward to advent and what SRT comes up with! Im looking forward to growing in understanding of the hope that Christmas brings to us all.
You will love this Study! This is my eighth Advent Study. This Study is truly my favorite thing I do during the Advent Study and is the highlight of this season.
You will love this Study. This is my 8th one! Truly the highlight and my favorite of the Advent Season.
So excited for advent this year!
So excited to learn of this plan and prepare my heart for this special celebration.
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First timer! So excited for this!
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Advent is quickly becoming my favorite time of year! I’m excited to dig into this year’s study, and the focus of light in the darkness!
Excited to have this intentional time with all you ladies and Jesus. Feeling very expectant for what God has!
CHURCHMOUSE, always so many words of wisdom, thank you!
Love spending Advent with the SRT community. Wishing each of you a blessed season.
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Merry Christmas, everyone ❤️
I’ll be reading this study along with others that I’m a bit behind on! Can’t wait!
So excited to read this years advent devotional.
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This is my first advent devotional! So excited!
Exciting! God bless you all ❤️
So excited
My first advent devotional and I am so excited to be a part of this community for it!
Yeah! So excited to see what God has in store. ❤️
This is my first advent devotional and I am so happy to be doing it with the SRT family.
Yippee! So excited!
So thankful to be here with you all again! Happy Advent! ❤️
Karen, I love this! I often say the same thing when I read that verse! The darkness has not overcome the Light, in fact, it cannot, and indeed it will not! Hallelujah!
This is my first time attempting an online advent devotional… looking forward to what the Lord has for all of us
So excited to start this. Advent has been such a special thing in my family and I can’t wait to share it with my SRT family
So excited to celebrate and prepare through this holiday season with you all!! Blessings to all!
My church is starting a series in John for Christmas. I love when the Lord lines up the scriptures in different places in my life. Looking forward to this season.
My
Happy Advent! So happy to be here with everyone.
This is my first advent EVER! So excited and THANKFUL to be part of this community ❤️
My first advent with SRT! Can’t wait to participate over the next 5 weeks! ❤️
This is my first advent study and my first she reads truth study! I’m excited to start this journey!
This is also my first Adevent with She Reads Truth. I have enjoyed the studies since I’ve started. I started with the go through of the Old and New Testament books. I look forward to this Advent study.
Happy Advent everyone, may today be a day of Hope!
Like many others, this is my first Advent study. I am excited to be doing it with you all as well as She Reads Truth! ❤️
Great read to an exciting start to a joyous season!
Advent!!!! My heart rejoices!!!
Last year was my first time celebrating advent & doing a study. The joy I feel today as the first day of advent & getting to do it again is so sweet!!!!
Such a wondrous beginning to this advent season, so excited to be journeying with all you “sisters” in Christ.
So happy to start this advent study with you all:)
This is my first time doing an Advent study. I’m already feeling inspired to shine light into a dark and fearful world this season.
Amen.
This is my first time as well! This book is exquisite. It’s beautiful and I love the focus on light vs the darkness in our world. I want more light this season and I want to be light and joyous this season.
I’m sending hugs! This is my first Christmas since having a miscarriage during the last Christmas season. I’ve been dreading it because I’m still grieving. I know our circumstances are different, but I somewhat understand where you’re at. ❤️
Grateful for this beautiful study book and help keep my heart focused on Christ during this Advent season ❤️ and so grateful for a wonderful community of women dedicated to reading scripture each and every day!
Such beautiful words to really turn our hearts and minds back towards our Savior! Thank you, Lord for your precious Word.
This is my second Advent with SRT. I’m excited to celebrate Jesus with everyone. Amid the chaos of this busy season, I’m looking forward to enjoying the peace and love of the season.
This is my first Advent ever! And I’m not sure what to do or what to expect. I’m really excited though to be able to do this study!
Happy Advent Season!
Excited for this study! I always love SRT advent series
Praying for you, Cathy! Welcome! You will be blessed with this Advent study.
This is my first time doing the SRT Advent study. I lost my mom last month, making this season especially difficult. I know this study will keep me focused on the birth of our Savior.
My first SRT advent series!
This is my first time too! So excited to be here.
This is my first time too!
My first time doing the Advent Study thrilled to be here!
This is my first time doing an SRT Advent study and I’m so excited! What a gorgeous book and tribute our Father’s!!
This is my first time doing the SRT advent series. So thankful for this community to read and praise the gospel with!
This is the first time I’ll be doing a SRT Advent and I am so excited! I finally am getting to start it from the beginning and I can’t wait to dive in and be even more about Jesus during this time!
Kelly thank you for praying for me yesterday! I appreciate all your prayers more than I can express
Very excited to do this study and happy to see many new people here !
Thank you for this beautiful study. Every word, every image, every verse–pointing to our Jesus. I look forward to this every year!
This is the first Advent that I am devoting more time to focus on the season. Thank you for the lovely book and all of your hard work. I am praying for every woman doing this study and for those who still need to hear of the greatness of God’s Grace.
Peace and Blessings,
Cathy
Praying for you Bree! Just be encouraged that Jesus knows and sees every detail of our lives ( Ps 139) praying for encouragement ❤️
I am so ready and so in need of these 5 weeks to contemplate and reset. My “wants” need to be checked and my “needs” be attended to a bit more. Thank you God for giving us this season to recently on you and truly remember the reason for this beautiful and Holy season.
I have never taken part of an Advent study but felt I really need my focus to be in Christ more than ever. Looking forward to these next 5 weeks.
So excited!!! Let us bring Jesus light into the dark
This is not my first Advent with the SRT team, but I’ve never felt compelled to leave comments, or join the community here. But, my heart is heavy this year. So much had “gone wrong” in 2021, and I’m coming to this study broken, beaten, and heavily discouraged. My prayer is that this study will help me refocus on our God, and rely on Him more.
Happy Advent ladies!
Thankful to be reminded of Gods promise in Jesus. Thankful for the ability to walk through advent in anticipation for Jesus arrival.
I am excited to begin this advent journey.
Hallelujah! Here we go! xoxo
Praying for you, TRACI.
Praying for you, LINDAK. May you heal quickly!
I am ready to see more light and slow down with this Advent study group
Thank you God is in control
Aloha mai.
I am thankful for my 26 grandchildren, for my 7 natural born children,my 2 hanai children and for the sons and daughters in law that I have.
Though our lives are going through much darkness and turmoil I am aware so clearly that now is the time of Salvation and we are but sojourners awaiting our Kings return. So to weather the storms we all must be in the Light of Yeshua. Body mind heart and soul. And pray constantly for Elohims divine intervention, protection, counsel, and healing.
In my sister Barbara I totally sense God’s Holy Spirit and my soul is so thankful for her being in my life. She is a blessing. Be thankful for those The Father blesses you with in Jesus’s name.
I am. Aloha, Iesu pu.
“We remember the weight of our spiritual darkness and train our eyes to look for the Light” Lord help me to look for the Light! I have a prayer request She’s. I am scheduled for surgery on my right hand(trigger thumb) tomorrow morning (11/29) at 7:15 am. Thank you!
This is not my first study, but my first advent with SRT and I am so excited! Life has been crazy and it will be nice to slow down and spend time in the word of God right now.
“The Promise meant life to the world” Michael Card, The Promise lyrics
I am looking forward to walking through this advent season with you all. This is my first time to join She Walks in Truth. I am excited to go through the season in a new way.
Beth
Amen and Amen! Thankful for being reminded that His light is stronger and will stand against all the darkness in this world.
Amen!
Thank You, Jesus, for reminding me that
darkness “did not”
cannot
will not
Ever overcome the Light.
So, I don’t have to be afraid of the darkness that creeps or rushes into my life, into the lives of my dear ones, into my
Thank You, Jesus, for reminding me that
darkness “did not”
cannot
will not
Thank You, Jesus, for reminding me that
darkness “did not”
Thank You, Jesus, for reminding me that
darkness “did not”
cannot
I am so not ready for Christmas and I can’t wait for this purposeful sitting down and resting at Jesus’ feet. Have a blessed advent everybody!
Hi. This is my first time ever doing an advent study for the holidays. As SRT is doing their 10th run , it’s coincidentally my 10th year back following the Lord. I guess all that to say , the timing is perfect and glad to share it with you all!! ❣️
Welcome! I am so looking forward to this plan throughout Advent and returning to my faith
So excited to start this study – I am especially excited about the theme this year and watching God’s promises of light and hope to His be fulfilled through Christ’s birth.
This year, more than any, I have been struggling with anxiety about the early darkness. This week I am aiming to memorize John 1:4-5 to repeat to myself when I fe
Good morning sisters! I am so excited to journey through this Advent season with this sweet community. Our God is so good, and I can’t wait to learn, pray, and experience His love and grace with you ladies! ❤️
So excited to start this study – I am especially excited about the theme this year and watching God’s promises of light and hope to His be fulfilled through Christ’s birth.
Hello! This is my first advent with SRT and I’m so excited for what’s coming up and all we are going to learn! I am so thankful for this Bible study and for everyone that makes it possible, it has definitely helped me on my walk with Jesus. God bless ❤️
this is the first ever study i’m doing on srt. i feel like it’s so fitting that it’s advent. so excited to grow with you ladies :)
I’m not a super excitable person by nature, but I was as close to giddy as I get as I opened my box today (I make myself wait until Advent begins to look at it.) I need this SO much…to very purposefully prepare my heart this season. I love the ideas of contemplation and celebration the study book talked about. I’m better at contemplation than celebration and I’m already feeling like the Lord is wanting me to learn this balance. I look forward to this study with all of you and I’m praying for some real dialogue as we read and learn together. If anyone is in the Northwest Indiana area, I would LOVE to grab a coffee and chat!
God bless you all!!! This is my first Advent with the SRT community, and to be honest my first Bible study in a very long time. I let the darkness of the world take over my life and that of my children and I’m ready to reach out to the light. What better way to start or rather be reborn into this journey with the birth of our Savior, our light. Looking forward to connecting with you ladies and be surrounded with spiritual people!!
Hello all! This is my first Advent study with She Reads Truth. My heart is blessed and encouraged on this first Sunday of Advent. I look forward to preparing my heart and training my eyes to look for the Light with you all this Advent.
This will be my very first Advent with this community and I could not be more excited! I’m looking forward to this season with all of you amazing ladies ❤️
I need this focus. I need to be less in the busyness.
This is my first year doing ADVENT ever and I am so thankful and grateful to be doing it with each of you ladies! ❤️❤️
I know this season will be tremendously hard for me. I want to rest in God’s faithfulness. To rejoice that Tanner is sitting with Jesus this Christmas instead of mourning that he is no longer with me physically. That is not to say I won’t mourn, but to stand in my faith and beliefs of what happens when we die as believers. I want to be quiet and look for God’s tremendous promises. To be patient as others move forward while I’m still grieving.
We are having a celebration of life on the 3rd. I’m very nervous about covid. I have had my booster, but there will be lots of people that will want to hug me. Please pray that God puts his shield around me and keeps me safe. I’m so worn out that I really don’t want to become sick. Thank you ladies.
I’m so excited for this study. I wanted to do the advent last year but it was all ready started. So I’m so excited to get to do it this year. I feel we all need to be reminded what this season is really about, that’s that’s our savior Jesus Christ, the light of the world!
I’m so excited for this study. I wanted to do the advent last year but it was all ready started. So I’m so excited to get to do it this year. I feel we all need to be reminded what this season is really about, that’s the birth of our savior Jesus Christ, the light of the world!
Oh I love the focus on light – may we hold onto it in the midst of this dark world.
Song that came to memory as I was journaling about todays lesson was Great Light of the World by Bebo Norman.
Happy Advent, dear sisters! This is my favourite liturgical season. It’s dark, calm and quiet. I love to find peace in the waiting, knowing the Promise that is to come. I can’t wait to journey with you all.
Such a beautiful start to the study ❤️
Happy Sunday, and welcome to everyone that is starting anew with us, and thank you to all that continue. So many new names, and so many good comments to copy down! Welcome Bea, I know you will get so much from these studies, that have really connected me more to the bible than ever before, even growing up in church!
Martha Hix, praying for you and your kids as you go through these first holidays with the loss of your husband. May you find comfort in your memories and God’s love and promise for us!
Sarajoy, Ahanna, Churchmouse, Munchkin, and Hope- Had to copy and paste your words in my digital journal for advent! So profound and seemingly new. Every year in Christ, we keep growing from being in the WORD and seeing/feeling anew. It’s amazing IF you let the Spirit dwell and come alive in you!!
Victoria E- praying for you and your baby, it must be so challenging to not get over-distraught and anxious in the hope of a healthy term and delivery. My niece is due any day with her baby, she will be induced on the first if needed. She is a young, unexpected, single mom and suffers from anxiety and depression. She has lots of fear, and then added on the fact that she is not in a relationship with the father, yet is trying to include him. But I am proud of her for taking this route when so many in her situation may not have. It’s sure to be a blessing. She lives with my sister, so she will be ok. We will go to visit for Christmas, so that is exciting. I will be thinking of you! Thanks for all your comments and for sharing your heart and fears, (and loss) with us. I do think people sometimes can open up more in writing rather than facing people and expressing their hearts, I for one find it easier!
Have a blessed day friends! I shared SRT on facebook, so I’m hoping maybe someone comes and joins, (and gives me a shoutout! :))
Also, if you read my testimony from forgiveness the other day- Church message was so good today and talked of how sometimes Jesus wants you to go back in your place of sorrow/trouble to resolve it, and that was like another light in that time of so much sadness in my loss over my marriage. And I kept wanting to instantly skip to the other side of the valley KNOWING and trusting that God would bring good out of it! But yet I didn’t want to “learn” and grow in those years of singleness! I kept jumping into things, relationships that were no good. God had to keep growing me and change lots of things about myself and my relationship WITH HIM and not my finding what I thought I needed in my life! So remember, don’t keep looking horizontal in your sorrow and trials, LOOK UP! ALWAYS! Thank you Jesus for changing this wayward, want to do everything her way, girls heart!!
Last Christmas was really hard for our family as we lost my husband’s brother and grandmother. While we focused on the birth of Christ I was still angry over losing two people who were important to me. Since marrying my husband I have become close with his brothers and they are more like brothers to me than my own brother who I do not have a good relationship with. My grandmother in law was someone who I looked up to and gave me alot of great advice when she was living. She was a very wise woman and I miss talking to her very much. With that being said I spent the season trying to create fun memories for my kids to help them but this year I wanted to spend it teaching them what Christmas and advent is really about. I also want to grow in Christ as well. I have long since sought forgiveness over my anger and while I still grieve I am healing from the loss. The first day of this Bible study was much needed and I look forward to continuing.
My absolute favorite season…intentionally slowing down and focusing on preparing my heart. It’s the beautiful counter-cultural dichotomy: the world seems to become frenzied and loud, yet Jesus calls me to find quiet and sit with Him.
Christ has been an everlasting light in my life over the several years and so has SRT and my sisters in this community. This is the time of the year to let our lights shine even brighter.
To those missing a spot around the tree this year, I know how hard that can be, I’m not going to tell you to get over it or deal with it, no God, Christ, the Holy Spirit and we your sisters are here to help you through it. It does get easier each and every year but you will miss them no matter what.
As the children’s song goes, “This little light of mine I’m gonna let it shine, let it shine, let it shine.”
Sisters, a good friend of mine, Lynn, her sister passed away earlier this morning (it was not unexpected but still) please pray for Lynn and her family. She was going to join my other friends and I for lunch but since this happened she decided not to.
Sisters, let’s remember Jesus is the reason for the season, be blessed and spread the news.
Thank God for sending his Son to save us so we could be redeemed from the darkness.
First advent season with She Reads Truth. I’m excited to see what these devotions entail. My brother turned me onto this version of the Bible and I’m really excited to start using it on my journey rediscovering my faith after one too many hardships in my life growing up.
Happy first day of Advent!!
My first time participating with She Reads Truth group study. Glad to be apart of the Advent 2021 study.
So glad to be a part of Advent 2021. This is my first time participating with a group study in She Reads Truth.
Happy Advent! Very excited to be here and really focus in on the reason for this wonderful time of year! Our God is so so good and I look forward to celebrating the wonderful gift of our Savior’s birth with you all!
So excited to do this advent. I have one I am also doing with my kids. We have prepared candles and scripture and are ready to see God unfold during this time
“Always and only Jesus Christ.” This will be my focus this Christmas season, thank you SRT. Come what may, friend or foe, good news or bad, may I greet the moment as Jesus would. I will stifle a quick comeback, a subtle criticism, a roll of my eyes. I will not take offense but look instead for understanding. I will listen more than talk. I will think more of Jesus than all the Christmas chores. And in my horizontal giving of Jesus to those in my sphere of influence, I will give Him the purest worship. A worship of seeing His people through His eyes, not mine. A worship of sharing His light wherever I am. Yep, it’s a tall order to accomplish in the busiest of seasons. My God is so worth it! Help me, Holy Spirit. AMEN.
Here we go. I need this right now.
Welcome Jodi, Caroline, Amanda, Kate and any others who have joined this awesome group of women of faith. My wish is that each of us finds that hope, peace and light during this Advent season. Loved all the comments and lifting you each in prayer.
I’m in a stressful time in my life right now with making a decision with where I want to go next in my career. Yet, this advent season feels me with joy. May I never lose my sense of awe that Jesus came down for me to die for me. May I go into this advent season knowing that He is the light of the world, and will cast out the darkness of what this world has to offer at times. I’m so excited SRT sisters.
This morning, I’m struck by a fact that I knew, but didn’t often contemplate or frankly comprehend. Jesus was with God in the beginning. Jesus is the Word of God. God spoke and kicked off the creation of our known universe through and with Jesus. It just changes my perspective as I contemplate it. Long before He was a tiny infant in a Manger, He was there. Along with the SRT community I’ve been learning to find Him throughout the entire story of the Bible. A spiritual Where’s Waldo.
This is reassuring to me. There are some really dark times in the Bible. Some could argue we’re living in a pretty dark time now. But God… my very favorite phrase… But God, the Trinity, is not absent. They are in every page of the Bible and in every moment of our lives. Their evidence is here all around us, if only we look for the Light.
This will be my first plan with the community and I’m really looking forward to it! I found the group too late to order the box but I will enjoy the readings and the community.
Sarahjoy, you left me speechless this morning. Sometimes the most simple reminder of the magnitude of Jesus’ birth is the most powerful. I’m sitting here with tears in my eyes, pondering God becoming man for me. For all of us. It’s beyond comprehension. It defies logic. It puts everything into perspective. It is all about Jesus. Everything we are is because of His grace. I’m blown away by His love. What a perfect thought to begin this season!
Oh, @SarahJoy, you captured it beautifully with your words.
So excited for this Advent study! So grateful for the whole SRT community.
Thank you for providing an opportunity to jump into the Word this Advent season. I’m excited to dig in w/ my small group and unpack this with them AND with this community. SRT Team – May God bless you all! Merry Christmas!
“We celebrate the joy of His birth with every carol we sing and every gift we wrap. Each twinkle light and snowfall and sleigh bell echoes the wonder of Immanuel, “God is with us.” “. This phrase expresses my heart! Thank you AMANDA BIBLE WILLIAMS for this hope and light filled opening. I regret not buying the book ’cause you ladies have me wanting to do crafts, try recipes, etc.! :)
ANGIE, dear sister, I cannot express the sisterhood I felt last night when I read your comment on Thanksgiving day where you included my name and your sweet thoughts! To know that you recognize so many of us by our comments is so uplifting. I feel the same way but as usual your words get the job done in such a beautiful way! THANK YOU for your wisdom sharing and challenging questions!
I am truly honored and THANKFUL for this amazing community!!! Let’s ‘get our hopes up’ as someone else said!
“We remember the weight of our spiritual darkness and train our eyes to look for the Light. ”
Training our eyes to look for the Light, to look for Jesus in everything, to remember God us with us always. always. How I love advent and am so grateful for this community here.
Here’s to getting our hopes up as our hearts remember the wonders of His love and our God who kept the best promise, our savior being born.
Good morning all! So happy to be starting this study and this season. I’m hoping to truly slow down and take it all in and like someone else said, I too am planning to take the time to enjoy the crafts and recipes as a further means of worship and contemplation.
Even this morning’s simple reflection has me emotional. This time of year the high emotions can become almost a distraction from the simple jaw-dropping truth: GOD BECAME A MAN. Eyes on Him. Stare at the manger amazed.
Manger to cross.
Cross to resurrection.
This is where God’s faithfulness that we see throughout the Old Testament is on full display. He did not leave us alone – BUT HE CAME DOWN.
REJOICE!
So excited to read along with this study this year. Congrats on your 10th Advent season!
The verse that stuck out to me this morning was John 3: Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made.
A good reminder that there is nothing we can do without God and Jesus.
Happy Advent season to all! ✨
I can’t wait to start this study! This will be my first study with this community!
I am so ready for life to slow down. With 3 young kids with special needs, I am purposing to slow life down this month, at least, as much as I can. This advent, I am seeking His light, His life, in what seems like all encompassing darkness some days. Praying that He would reveal Himself to me, to us, as we seek Him this Advent.
I’m so excited for this study! I’ve done SRT advent in the past, but only the reading. Not the crafts or other engagements. I’m hoping to dive totally in & take full advantage of this community to help me set my eyes on Jesus, the Light of the World!
In our Scripture reading for today, what do you think it means when it says “in him was life, and that life was the light of men.”? I couldn’t help but think of Christ’s righteousness that he’s bestowed upon us.
I got my mother this Advent book so we could do the plan together. Looking forward to it!
I’m so excited for this study! I’ve done SRT advent in the past, but only the reading. Not the crafts or other engagements. I’m hoping to dive totally in & take full advantage of this community to help me set my eyes on Jesus, the Light of the World!
I’ve been preparing my heart to truly slow down this month so I can focus on the birth of our Savior. I’m so excited to have this plan to help me! Thank you! God is so good!
Yesterday, I was feeling a loss of hope. Today, I was meant to start this advent plan. Like someone else shared, looking for the light in my days will be my intention this season. I’m already feeling more hopeful.
Welcome. She Reads Truth has been such a blessing for me. I hope it is for you too
This is my first plan.
This is my first plan, and I’m hoping to turn from my busy, self-preoccupied life and
The song Light of the World (Sing Hallelujah) pairs really well with today’s scripture and this theme of the light coming into the world!
Father, help me train my eyes to look for the light each day this season. When I see it, give me the courage and energy to share it. Into marvelous light I’m running!
So excited about this study! I’m already learning so much and it’s only day one. Isaiah 9:1-7 will be my scripture memory goal over the next 5 weeks.
My takeaway too..
O come, O come, Emmanuel
And ransom captive Israel
That mourns in lonely exile here
Until the Son of God appear
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel
Shall come to thee, O Israel.
O come, Thou Rod of Jesse, free
Thine own from Satan’s tyranny
From depths of Hell Thy people save
And give them victory o’er the grave
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel
Shall come to thee, O Israel.
O come, Thou Day-Spring, come and cheer
Our spirits by Thine advent here
Disperse the gloomy clouds of night
And death’s dark shadows put to flight.
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel
Shall come to thee, O Israel.
O come, Thou Key of David, come,
And open wide our heavenly home;
Make safe the way that leads on high,
And close the path to misery.
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel
Shall come to thee, O Israel.
O come, O come, Thou Lord of might,
Who to Thy tribes, on Sinai’s height,
In ancient times did’st give the Law,
In cloud, and majesty and awe.
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel
Shall come to thee, O Israel.
Come Lord Jesus and reign in my heart❣
Thank you Jesus for coming into the earth to save us and take us out of the darkness and into Your marvelous light. Love you so much!
My first advent reading plan. ❤️
So grateful for this opportunity to renew my heart and mind and aim all of my hopes, dreams, fears, and anxieties to the foot of the manger. It has been so easy with the chaos and turmoil of this year to make security and safety an idol in my life rather than keeping Christ as my Alpha and Omega and All in All.
Thank you, Jesus, for your persistent pursuit of each of us! Thank you for choosing to come be with us and be our Immanuel. Thank you for being the Light that knows no darkness and casts away every shadow! You are worthy of everything.
Reading the passage this morning brought the reflection of how light brings hope. This year has been full of pain and hardships. When my focus shifts on those, I get caught in anxiety and fear. “Light shines in the darkness and yet the darkness did not overcome it.” Hope comes knowing that the darkness will be overcome through light, not the other way around
I’m so excited! I could not buy the book, so I love dat they put out a online free version voor all of us❤. I hoop that there will be reflection questions again, and that our hearts will be reopened en our minds and souls refreshed to the wonder, love, power, truthfulness of our 3 in one God!
Because to be honest we are a forgetful people, and can not be reminded of God and is goodness enough!
Happy advent everybody
Reading the passage this morning brought the reflection of how light brings hope. This year has been full
I’m looking forward to slowing down and taking time to focus on the hope we have in Jesus Christ. My takeaway just from getting started is that we’re living between two Advents! I never thought about that before.
This year was different than every year of my adult life, because I was more focused on my intimate relationship with Christ. Through my failures and mistakes, I learned to lean on my Heavenly Father to comfort my insecurities and trust that repentance and changed behavior/attitude is enough- His love didn’t change from the day I was born. I am so grateful that this year I get to end it with the Advent. I really pray that I become more grateful to Jesus and can mature more so that I may bring honor to the Kingdom of God.