The First Sunday of Advent: Hope

Open Your Bible

Psalm 65:5

“It’s always darkest before dawn.” 

To be honest, this saying has always bugged me. I’m not trying to be difficult or a know-it-all, but it’s just not scientifically true. Step outside on any given night, and you’ll find that darkness throughout the night changes depending on cloud movement or the moon. In the winter months can be affected if something like snow is reflecting the light. So why do we use this not-exactly-true saying to comfort one another? 

I suppose the breathtaking break of the morning sun across the horizon does make everything in the hours before seem much darker. So maybe that’s why? Or maybe it just feels really good and hopeful? But what I’ve learned is that the almost-true things are never nearly as comforting as the absolutely-true things. 

When I learned that this year’s Advent reading plan was titled The Dawn of Redeeming Grace, my soul gave a sigh of relief at the thought. I imagine the world did seem darker than ever before that dawn—the birth of the Messiah. It probably seemed like hope, peace, joy, and love were growing dimmer by the day. But the truer truth is this: God was always at work. His promises to the prophets, priests, kings, and everyday people were still true, even though they couldn’t see the Light waiting to be revealed at the perfect time.

Of all of the things I love about our Advent journey this year, what I hope you connect with deeply is the Old Testament scriptures and the eager anticipation of knowing that the Light has, in fact, dawned. As for this Christmas season, when things may seem dark and we need to be reminded of why we have peace and hope and joy, why we love and rejoice in the good news, let us read God’s promises together, anchored by the joy of celebrating the coming dawn. Even though we can’t see Him, we know He is at work. “Look, I am coming soon!” (Revelation 22:7).  

Friends, don’t miss this Advent season. I want to personally invite you to make time to open these Advent scriptures every single day. Let God’s Word be a lamp to your feet and a light to your path (Psalm 119:105). This way, whether things seem dark now or even when they inevitably will, you will know that the Light, who came into the world at the first advent, will most certainly return once and for all. Together, let’s let our souls sigh with sweet relief.

Written by Raechel Myers

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354 thoughts on "The First Sunday of Advent: Hope"

  1. Miracles Dorgu says:

    Amen

  2. LaRae Taylor says:

    ❤️

  3. Dee Bernasconi says:

    When we are facing difficulties in our life it doesn’t matter how brightly the sun is shining outside our souls are filled with darkness. It isn’t until we find the courage to overcome these challenges that our souls can begin to see light again.

  4. Peyton Sias says:

    ❤️

  5. Ashley McRee says:

    ❤️

  6. Marelin Rodriguez says:

    Amen

  7. Jenny Phillips says:

    Amen.

  8. Lisa L Hill says:

    Amen

  9. Emma McCord says:

    Amen❤️

  10. Veronica Powell says:

    Amen

  11. Amy Masse says:

    ❤️

  12. Teleshia T says:

    Amen ❤️

  13. Maria Garcia says:

    ❤️

  14. Jameisha Miller says:

    Amen❤️❤️

  15. Penny Allen says:

    I love this!❤️

  16. Mona-Lisa Mallo says:

    Amen! Thank you Jesus.

  17. Tara B says:

    ❤️

  18. Verzande Hindley says:

    Amen ❤️there is hope

  19. Jenna Mortensen says:

    ❤️

  20. Gabrielle Vanderwolf says:

    Amen such a good reminder, Jesus is our living hope and infallible Savior! He will return one day and I pray we’ll be ready for His coming!

  21. Tierra McDaniel says:

    ❤️

  22. Corina James Scribner says:

    A good reminder.

  23. Courtney Brown says:

    ❤️

  24. Samantha Valadez says:

    ❤️

  25. Mckenzie Trout says:

    ❤️

  26. Alexus Schoolfield says:

    ♥️

  27. Maranda Baker says:

    ❤️

  28. Tabatha Beckum says:

    ❤️

  29. Kristen Stevens says:

    Things have never felt darker. I’m so thankful for the reminder that the light is coming.

  30. Rebecca Schmitz says:

    ❤️

  31. Abrial King says:

    ❤️

  32. Karen Breaux says:

    ✝️ ❤

  33. LaRae Taylor says:

    Thank you for the Hope of Your return.

  34. Tamara Brown says:

    Thanks Anne.

  35. Sophie Edwards says:

    ❤️

  36. Anne Carlson says:

    Maybe someone already mentioned this, but Thomas Fuller, an English theologian, is credited with saying “It is always darkest just before the Day dawneth” in his 1650 work A Pisgah Sight of Palestine.
    It isn’t supposed to be literal.
    It just means that until the dawn of light comes, we may be in the midst of our darkest personal journey. That God always provides light and hope, even when we can’t see it.
    It’s interesting that we still use the phrase “it just dawned on me” when we have figured something out. Or, in many cases, when God has lifted the dark veil so we can then see the hope and clarity.
    All the best for everyone’s Advent Season!

    1. Suzanne Grote says:

      ❤️

    2. Diana Rigdon says:

      I loved reading your response and explanation! It makes me realize how

  37. Karla Martinez says:

    What a hope we have in our Savior ❤️

  38. Nicole Bisset says:

    ❤️

  39. Sydnie Roberson says:

    ❤️

  40. Adrianne Demmon says:

    ⭐️

  41. Bethany Jones says:

  42. Fill in Fill in says:

    ❤️

  43. Peggy Evans says:

    ❤️

  44. Kylah Hammack says:

    ❤️

  45. Leigh Lanier says:

    ❤️ I love this, looking forward to this Christmas season and celebrating Christ!

  46. Meg Juma says:

    ❤️

  47. Summer Gehl says:

    God was ALWAYS at work !

  48. Ashley Banks says:

    ❤️

  49. Becky Dulmes says:

    ❤️

  50. Tasha Adams says:

    Amen❤️

  51. Lauren Ramirez says:

    First advent!

  52. Fran Parker says:

    ❤️

  53. Tamya Hurry says:

    Amen

  54. Hanna W says:

    ❤️

  55. Destiny Brummett says:

    ❤️

  56. Shaelin Woodruff says:

    Patiently waiting for my baby boys arrival. This study is bringing me peace and comfort already. Excited to see what God has planned and trusting in His perfect timing.

  57. Kayla Shelton says:

    Amen

  58. Shawna Boleratz says:

    I am so excited to be doing this study this year! ❤️

  59. Krista Squibb says:

    ❤️

  60. Mary says:

    Welcome to all of you new and returning ladies! This is a safe space. I consider it a privilege to be women in the Word with you all. I don’t often post, but I follow the SRT plans regularly. I am always encouraged by all of the lovely ladies who post and pray and love on each other here. May you all be encouraged and experience anew our Emmanuel this season.

    The thoughts I am taking away from today’s reading are:
    -Praise God that the Hope is here! Unlike Abraham, Moses, and so many others we read about in the Hebrews 11 study, we don’t have to wait for the fulfillment of the promise. Our Emmanuel has come!
    -From Psalms 65:5 – What does it look like that He is the hope of the seas?

  61. Starr Schoppy says:

    ❤️❤️❤️

  62. Abby Darnell says:

    ❤️❤️❤️❤️

  63. Jade Huhta says:

    This study gives me a little hope to get out of the trenches of post partum! Being reminded of Gods promises and getting encouraged again is something I’ve been needing!

    1. Mary says:

      You’re not alone, Jade!
      May you feel God’s presence in a very near way as you change diapers and have long days of being needed constantly! Many of us have walked through those challenging days and nights, and we encourage you that this is just for a season.
      Our God is a God who sees. (Genesis 16:13) He sees you.

    2. Miriam F says:

      Same! I’m 5mo pp (first time mom), and becoming aware of how much I needed this – like taking a deep breath when you didn’t realize you’d been holding it in.

  64. Marina Foster says:

    ❤️

  65. Beatriz Valle says:

    ❤️❤️❤️

  66. Kayla Galindo says:

    Life has been terribly dark these last couple months and at times it has been hard to see the light, this was such a beautiful reminder of the hope we can have even in the darkness!

    1. Mary says:

      I’m sorry that it’s been dark recently, Kayla.

      The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it… The true light, which gives light to everyone, was coming into the world. John 1:5,9

      May you see His light shine through.

  67. Carma Bryan says:

    I’m excited to be here. I had forgotten all the things we used to do for advent… feels like this is a gift to myself help keep my eyes and heart on God this holiday season !

  68. Jessica Delp says:

    ❤️❤️❤️

  69. Tamya Hurry says:

    ❤️❤️❤️

  70. Jen Mullis says:

    Thank you Father for the hope that is found in you. ❤️

  71. Kathy Hart says:

    This is my first SRT study guide and am excited to do this Advent study with this community. Thank you, Raechel and Amanda, for encouraging us to keep opening our Bibles. Your work has blessed me and spurs me on to know Jesus more deeply.

  72. Harley Nunez-Hamrick says:

    It’s been forever since I decided to follow along with a reading plan, but I feel like Advent is the best place to start again. It’s the beginning and when we first received our lord and savior, Jesus.

  73. Crystal Pitzer says:

    ❤️

  74. Richelle Parks says:

    This is a season of hope for me and this advent devotional came in perfect timing. I have for the last year consistently started the devotionals. I want to commit and finish them as well. As my birthday draws closer I am commenting to myself as well that I’m worth it. And not worthless. Thank you for the timing of it all. God is good all the time, I just have to remember to face Him, because He is pursuing me. Right now I’m running back to Him

  75. Brittanie Dix says:

    ❤️

  76. Kayte says:

    So excited to join yall. This is my first She devotion in several years. Looking forward to it.

  77. Jessica Thomas says:

    I hop from one plan to another depending on what’s going on in my life but I’m happy to doing advent with the She community. I can’t believe I started advent in 2023 and I have been reading my bible everyday for a whole year and now I think officially I have She status too. Looking forward to doing this with you all x

  78. Georgia says:

    So excited to be back here and do Advent together with this wonderful community ❤️

  79. Ashley Sanderson says:

    So excited to be participating in Advent and I pray that this gives me the time and encouragement to slow down during this busy season.

  80. Monica Croonquist says:

    So great! Looking forward to this Advent season.

  81. Carmen Chu-Villanueva says:

    First time actually committing to reading plan for advent. I want this to be different. I want to be closer with Christ and remember christmas is to celebrate the hope he bring.

  82. Natalie Reed says:

    While I’ve started SRT advent devotionals in the past, I would like this year to be the first one I finish.

  83. Victoria E says:

    Excited for this study!Welcome all?

  84. Carla Osborn says:

    ❤️❤️

  85. Laura Pacos says:

    I am excited to open this each day and let Gods word soak into my heart! I have been missing that lately! What a wonderful season we are in!

  86. Lori Lackey says:

    I am looking forward to this study. Lately I have been feeling lonely and without hope. I have a good life, I am blessed beyond measure, so I don’t understand why I am feeling this way.

    1. Cee Gee says:

      Lori, wr are here to pray with you! ❤

  87. Hadley Woodall says:

    This has been such a strange year full of ups and downs. As I close out the year, I will fix my eyes on God’s goodness and faithfulness and find HOPE in knowing that He is working it all together for my good and His glory! This advent season, may my eyes be turned to Christ so I may find in Him in every moment.

  88. Darla H says:

    This is my first SRT Advent, and I’m so excited! I pray this will help all of us stay focused on why this season exists and help all of us draw closer to our Amazing God.

  89. Danica Middlebrook says:

    I started doing the Advent study with SRT 10 years ago so this is my 11th Advent study. Even when I’ve taken a break from SRT studies – I always do Advent. It is my favorite every year.

    1. Georgia says:

      Wow that is so cool! Didn’t know they go this far back, I joined SRT in 2018

  90. Rebekah Wilson says:

    We are assured the Light has already come. What HOPE that gives me. ❤️

  91. Heidi Anders says:

    This is my first time doing SRT for Advent.

    I love our scripture.

  92. Melissa Ulrich says:

    ♥️

  93. Mackenzie Doss says:

    ❤️

  94. Maia Smith says:

    My favorite time of year to slow down, reflect on the year, and remember what we’re really celebrating this Christmas season ❤️

  95. Hannah Radcliff says:

    ❤️

  96. Heather Barlow says:

    It’s been two years since I’ve done Advent with SRT and I’m so happy to be back. I have so many wonderful memories of opening up my Advent book everyday and I think this is exactly what I need after a dry season.

  97. Abby Borland says:

    Thankful for hope!

  98. Kimberley Harrison says:

    I’ve been eagerly awaiting this study! I’m finishing a year of The Bible Recap as well, so my prayer is that I can take all I’ve learned over the past 11 months and allow the Lord to deepen my understanding of the Advent season and all that it means. ❤️

    1. Heidi Anders says:

      I heard of the Bible Recap and I am planning on starting it soon. I have heard a lot of good things. ☺️

  99. Whitney Zaccaria says:

    It’s so easy to get “busy” during the holidays and lose sight of what truly matters. I love this advent study and am excited to stay in tune with the lord through the holidays!

  100. Wanda Woehlert says:

    I am looking forward to this advent season, where I can reflect on the hope of Jesus and reliving his birth.

  101. Kerry B says:

    ❤️

  102. Becca Braswell says:

    Been asking God to re-light the hope within my heart- this is another great reminder that He has already been where we are. We can hope because of His preparation!

  103. Kimberly Z says:

    I love the advent study! This is how I got started with She Reads Truth and it truly has been such a fun journey over the last 3 years! Praying for you all to feel the spirit during this season.

  104. Maggie Tietz says:

    Amen

  105. Kat Smith says:

    ♥️

  106. Emily Herman says:

    ❤️

  107. Aubree McElreath says:

    God provides so much for hope for us! It’s so encouraging to be able to share His hope with others!

    1. Kristie Sump says:

      ♥️

  108. Kristen Lowery says:

    ❤️amen

  109. Lydia Lix says:

    Excited for this Advent season!

  110. Faith Walter says:

    ❤️

  111. Alicia Willis says:

    Excited to see how God works this season.?

  112. Suzanne Venable says:

    ❤️

  113. Danni Blackburn says:

    I try to do the advent study every year and inevitably don’t finish or Christmas gets here and I still have ten days left. This year I’m determined to be a she in the word EVERY day and not every day it’s easy to.

  114. Jenna Arriesgado says:

    This will be ,y first

  115. Callie Owen says:

    So excited to slow down this season and focus on our Lord and Savior!

    1. Justice Wieters says:

      Amen!!

  116. Shuana Michele-Hackworth says:

    Excited to walk through this difficult season of my life by reading the advent scriptures daily. The book is beautiful by the way.

  117. Abby Roudebush says:

    ⭐️

  118. Cassie Hamilton says:

    ❤️

  119. Jenny Miklos says:

    ❤️

  120. Cassie Sund says:

    ❤️

  121. Elizabeth Stillwell says:

    Coming back to She Reads Truth after a small hiatus and thrilled to receive the gorgeous book along with the traditional app community. Excited to engage in intentional community during advent and looking forward to growing together!

  122. Gabrielle Stasiak says:

    Can’t wait to see where this study takes us!

  123. Christy D says:

    So excited to be here! I buy the book but also come here for the devo and the community! Praying for us all as we dig into His riches this season. ❤️

  124. Jenna Mortensen says:

    ♥️

  125. Kristie Sump says:

    He is our hope and He is righteous. I love how she reminds us that He is always working even when we feel we are in darkness.

  126. Tricia C says:

    Welcome to all of our new friends! What a great time to start with SRT! I can’t wait to go through this study with you all!❤️

  127. Bethany Trimble says:

    ❤️

  128. Kristin Glover says:

    Excited for the intentional time together during this season !

  129. Dottie Sue Hicks says:

    Hi! I am new here and looking forward to doing advent with this community.

    1. Cee Gee says:

      Hi, Dottie! ❤

    2. Leslie Gray says:

      Hey Dottie! Welcome!

  130. Delane Davis says:

    ❤️

  131. Kati McDermith says:

    Same!

    1. Cee Gee says:

      Hi, Kayi! ❤

  132. Brittney Lyon says:

    A friend told me about this app this morning and I downloaded it immediately!! This will be my first Advent study and I’m really looking forward to it.

    1. Cee Gee says:

      Hi, Brittney! ❤

    2. Leslie Gray says:

      Welcome ❤️

  133. Jenn Parvin says:

    ❤️❤️

  134. Imelda Locke says:

    My first Advent study! We started with Hope in church today! Excited to be able to do this with She Reads Truth…and our church!

    1. Cee Gee says:

      Same at our church. ❤

    2. Rhonda J. says:

      My church did too, AND we are doing the Advent and starting with Hope on Wednesday..SO very good!

  135. Cassandra Salmon says:

    ❤️

  136. Christy Scott says:

    ❤️

  137. Kinsey Allen says:

    Happy Advent! Excited to join you all on this journey through the word.

  138. Anna Schulte says:

    So excited for this season of Advent!

  139. Amber Albert says:

    The True Light has come.

  140. Leann Marshall says:

    Amen!!

  141. Amanda Walloch says:

    Happy Advent, all!

  142. Dorcas Santos Oliva says:

    Amen! Today at church we started with FAITH but it covers mostly the same message that Jesus is the Light that has already dawn! Amen. And that God is at work everywhere every time!as we put our Faith and hope to our One True God we can continually hope for the fulfillment of His Redeeming Grace when Jesus comes

  143. Chelsi Brasher says:

    Although we may feel His light is dim at times (during hard seasons of our lives), His light is ever enduring within us and provide His eternal Hope of peace and love to us. My heart burst with gratitude of Jesus and our eternal hope of heaven. May we share this same light with others we encounter each day.

  144. Leighellen Landskov says:

    I’m excited to start! I’ve got a group of friends joining me online so we will participate together! ❤️ Thank you for helping us slow down and remember the sweetness of this season.

    1. Cee Gee says:

      That’s awesome! ❤

  145. Courtney Ribeiro says:

    God is so good! I’m so excited for this season.

  146. Samantha Hinderaker says:

    This is my first study with SRT and I’m so excited! I am praying that this community helps to provide accountability for me in this busy season. I pray for all of you that we approach this first week with a spirit of Hope.

    1. Natasha R says:

      Welcome, Samantha!

    2. Elizabeth Oster says:

      Hello & Welcome, Samantha!!

    3. Cee Gee says:

      Amen, Samantha, and welcome! ❤

  147. Courtney Covatch says:

    Jesus is the light… summer 2024 brought a lot of darkness to my life… I can only pray that the light of our Father will find its way back to me through this Advent season and into 2025

    1. Cee Gee says:

      Courtney, praying that is so! ❤ hugs!

  148. Traci Gendron says:

    I want to say thank you for your prayers for my conversation with my husbands daughter. She was kind and wanted to talk. We were on the phone for an hour and a half. BUT she made it clear she doesn’t believe or know God. Nor does she seem interested. Neither is my husbands son. I’m not sure what I do with this information. My first instinct is to pray for them which I have done periodically. I was vocal about my faith and what it has done for me.

    1. Tina says:

      Traci. NO conversation about God to a non believer is wasted! None! You have sown a seed and no matter how much people profess not to believe, God and only God can breathe life into that seed you have sown..
      God bless you for the chat. Now, take a step back and breathe!
      You keep holding on to the truth and God you believe in. He WILL be working.
      .
      BUT GOD..
      .
      REMEMBER?
      .
      It is well, dear heart, It is well.
      Hugs..
      Tina❤️

    2. searching says:

      joining in prayer for your stepdaughter and stepson, that the seed sewn would flourish and they would turn to the Lord.

    3. Cee Gee says:

      ❤ Traci, you are doing the only thing you can do for now- praying for them. They may say they aren’t interested, but then why request a conversation with you when they know you are a believer who wants to share? Praying God does a work in their hearts! ❤

    4. Truth Seeker says:

      You spoke what God wanted them to hear.
      It is in His hands now
      Continue to keep them in prayer and let God
      do what He does. You have been a faithful servant and they know what God expects from them to be His followers and it is in their hands to accept or not accept His love, mercy, grace and forgiveness

  149. Traci Gendron says:

    Let God’s word be a lamp to your feet and a light to your path. Psalm 119:105

  150. Denise Thompson says:

    I’m thankful for Jesus being the dawn, the light. I need this study. I want to capture the peace and joy that the Light brings this season!

  151. meg alba says:

    Was laid off from my job yesterday completely unexpected….. but needed this today ❤️

    1. Traci Gendron says:

      Prayers Meg for peace and a new job offer.

    2. searching says:

      praying, Meg, for your job search – that you will be led to the right job for you. Also praying for temp work if needed to fill in the gap of waiting.

    3. Cee Gee says:

      Oh, Meg, praying for an opening to come your way soon! ❤

  152. Michelle P says:

    Happy advent !!! ❤️

  153. Kim Casper says:

    I’m praying for Holy Spirit to create new pathways in my heart to receive the hope, peace love and joy of this season. Come, Lord Jesus, Come!

    1. Lisa S says:

      ❤️

  154. Cee Gee says:

    Oxford Dictionary definition of dawn: the first appearance of light in the sky before sunrise…
    .
    The DAWN (first appearance of) REDEEMING GRACE!
    I never made that connection before!
    .
    I have so looked forward to this study and I am thrilled to be here with you sisters –
    WELCOME to you new ladies! You will truly be blessed in this community!
    As Raechel says above, “… you will know that the Light, who came into the world at the first advent, will most certainly return once and for all. Together, let’s let our souls sigh with sweet relief.”
    .
    Love, hugs, and prayers! ❤

    1. Julia C says:

      ❤️

    2. searching says:

      {heart}

  155. Laurin Grubb says:

    Amen.

  156. Pamela Young says:

    My daughter gifted me with this devotional for my birthday & we will be working through it together though many miles apart. I’m so thankful for was God has given us to stay close to Him & others.

    1. Rhonda J. says:

      Love that!

    2. Cee Gee says:

      Such a sweet gesture! Our son did that a few years ago with my husband (his dad) and it was a real blessing across the miles. ❤

  157. Hannah West says:

    I’m challenging myself to post each day for accountability! Our service today was on Isaiah 9…Jesus is our light in the darkness, our hope in political, cultural, and spiritual darkness just as he was for the people of Israel

    1. Rhonda J. says:

      Yes, Amen! And I better see your name each day..lol!

    2. Marina S. says:

      That’s a great idea, Hannah!

  158. Amanda Pfeifer says:

    So looking forward to this season.

  159. Jen Coen says:

    Amen!!

  160. Sophie M says:

    Amen!! Excited for this advent series. Blessings this Sunday, She’s! Praying for a restful day full of peace over your hearts.

    1. Cee Gee says:

      ❤ and your ❤!

  161. Tina Johnson says:

    Amen! He is our light♥️

  162. MARTHA HIX says:

    ❤️

    1. Tina says:

      Martha, sending you a ❤️ right back. Hope you are well..

    2. Rhonda J. says:

      Hope you had a wonderful time with your family!

    3. Mari V says:

      Hi Martha :)

    4. searching says:

      {heart}

  163. Meghan Ashford says:

    The hope of Jesus’ second advent is what makes having a relationship with Jesus so different than the religions that exist globally. I am so incredibly thankful for the hope that I have in Jesus

  164. Kristin C says:

    ❤️❤️

  165. Kate Amaezechi says:

    I’m hoping for a renewed sense of motivation to draw near to God every day. I’m thankful for a platform like this to help make it happen!

  166. Latonya Still says:

    I’m grateful for the reminder to hope in this season and the ones to come.

  167. Wendy Orozco says:

    Amen ❤️

  168. Delayna mello says:

    He is the light

  169. Lexi B says:

    So encouraging. Our everlasting hope.

  170. Mari V. says:

    ONE-Hundred-Comments already!! Wow!! A sweet friend of mine came to mind just as I started to read the scriptures, so I sent her this FIRST day of ADVENT! She texted back. Please pray for my sweet friend “A” I am SO excited for this study! Brings back some sweet and some not-so-sweet memories, BUT GOD!!! OUR sweet JESUS has ALL-of-us!

    1. Tina says:

      Mari, will hold your sweet friend A in prayers. Sending you much love..❤️

      1. Mari V says:

        Thank you Tina!! My mama’s heart aches for her.

  171. Kebrina Vinglas says:

    He is our Hope. Could we ask for anything more?

  172. Emily Litton says:

    ❤️

  173. Julia Palmer says:

    The perfect reminder for day 1!❤️

  174. Stephanie Boardmam says:

    Amen! Jesus is my Hope!

  175. Sheryl McFadden says:

    Jesus the reason for hope in the darkness.

  176. Rachel Commerford says:

    I felt as though I truly needed this today. My soul has been so weary and I ended my Thanksgiving holiday sick with a chest cold. Feeling tired and worn down, this really lifted my soul… that the Christ is coming! Do not give up hope now!

    1. Ashley Flores says:

      I feel you so much on that! Praying for you!!!

  177. Charlene Witherington says:

    Merry Christmas

  178. Brandi Young says:

    So excited to join you! Merry Christmas! So thankful He came. Because he didn’t have too!

  179. Gayle Craik says:

    Welcome to Advent friends in Christ! I am doing great, scans & bloodwork keep getting better.

    1. Cat-tee says:

      So happy to hear! You are in my prayers everyday ❤️

    2. Tina says:

      Lovely to see you here Gayle. Thankful for the improvements in health and hope-filled we will see a miracle.. in Jesus’ name..
      AMEN.
      Sending you hugs from across the pond, dear Gayle..❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

    3. Cee Gee says:

      Oh, Gayle, thanks so much for letting us know! What encouragement and HOPE!!! ❤

    4. Rhonda J. says:

      Praise God Gayle, Praise God!! He is truly the hope and light! I can’t imagine going through some of the deep trials that some of our She’s have, grateful for your testimonies and faith!!

    5. Traci Gendron says:

      Amen to good news!

    6. searching says:

      Praise the Lord for the good report, GAYLE! So good to see you here!!
      {heart}

  180. Kati McDermith says:

    This is my first study with SRT and it seems like the best pace to start!

    1. Mari V. says:

      YES, it is! Welcome to our Advent Study Kati! We are SO glad your’re here with us!

    2. Tina says:

      ❤️ Welcome Kati ❤️

  181. Alexis Boucher-Kneller says:

    Amen!
    Jesus brings me Hope. Hope in a world full of fear, darkness, and confusion. HE is the Light and the Way. I will trust in Him.
    Son of Man.
    God of Everlasting and Redeeming Hope.

  182. Kim Sallee says:

    Looking forward to this Advent season!

  183. SusieMarie Howe says:

    The Lord’s light of hope is here!

  184. Deanna Perkins says:

    Amen

  185. Jill DeBlasio says:

    Amen

  186. Janelle Ficek says:

    “The Light has in fact dawned.” Love that. So true. Thank you.

  187. Barb D says:

    Welcome to all of the new She’s! I look forward to sharing the matchless HOPE of Jesus with the world around me as we fill our hearts and minds with all that is shared here.

    1. SusieMarie Howe says:

      Amen!

    2. Mari V. says:

      Yes! In agreement with Barb. WELCOME all new She’s!

  188. Angela Wiegman says:

    So thankful for a way to set my eyes on what truly matters in this season that tends to be so fully of businesses

  189. Denise N says:

    My favorite season!!! I love Advent.

  190. Sydney Merten says:

    amen

  191. Aimee D-R says:

    Lord we wait with great expectations for all You will and are doing in our lives. In Jesus name, Amen

    1. SusieMarie Howe says:

      Amen!

  192. Searching says:

    Praying for these requests from yesterday:

    Margaret W – praying you are able to attend church today
    Traci G – praying as you prepare to talk with your stepdaughter, that her heart and mind would hear and feel the intent of your words to her, that nothing would be misunderstood. ❤️

    CG – wow, on shared verses 11/30
    CHERYL BLOW ❤️

    Thank you all that are praying for my family member – holding her own, long recovery still ahead.

    Praying for our caregiving sisters, LYNNE IN AL, GRAMSIESUE, LINDA IN NC, NANCY S and others.

    1. Tina says:

      Hugs to you Searching.. ❤️

    2. Cee Gee says:

      ❤ adding my amen to these prayers. Thanks for the update on your friend. Continued prayers! ❤ Love and hugs!

  193. Jessica Nickasio says:

    Happy advent seasons! I also love this part at the end of Psalm 65:

    You crown the year with Your goodness,
    And Your paths drip with abundance.
    They drop on the pastures of the wilderness,
    And the little hills rejoice on every side.
    The pastures are clothed with flocks;
    The valleys also are covered with grain;
    They shout for joy, they also sing.

    1. Jenni Riley says:

      I love this connection! ❤️

    2. Wendy B says:

      I love these verses as well❤️

    3. Tina says:

      Yes, so beautiful. Thankbyou Jessica. ❤️

  194. Kimberly Reed says:

    Jesus our everlasting hope ♥️

  195. Lanie H says:

    My eyes watered up when I opened the study to see it was the first day of Advent! I was introduced to she reads truth through an Advent study in 2015. It blows my mind that was almost 10 years ago! I hope the newcomers here love it as much as I did ! It’s my favorite holiday tradition.

    1. Mari V. says:

      Aw…Lanie, this is SO sweet!!

    2. Tina says:

      Lanie, this is my daily ‘home’.
      Sending your little family love and hugs, and a Mwah, to little Iris..❤️

  196. Allyson Snowden says:

    I haven’t done a She Reads Truth Study in a while. Seemed like the perfect time to start.

    1. Christina Johnson says:

      Same!

    2. Mari V. says:

      Yes, it is! So glad your here with us, Allyson! Welcome!

  197. Kayla Graf says:

    God’s timing is so perfect! I experienced a miracle last night after a year of walking in faith while everything fell apart; the title of this devotional really spoke to me this morning and brought praise to my lips. The verse from psalms is exactly how I feel about what I’ve witnessed; thank you, Jesus, and I love you! I pray that we all taste of His miracles this winter season and get to know him better through them

    1. Heather O'Malley says:

      Praise God!

  198. Virginia Ford says:

    Thank you for all your hopeful words. I’m excited to see what goodness God has for us!

  199. Searching says:

    Looking forward to this study, sisters, and love seeing first-timers here today. Stay with us for this study and future ones – I’m so blessed to be part of this amazing community!

    BG verses of the day:
    John 1:1-2,14
    In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God.

    And RHONDA J mentioned the different Scripture reference on HRT:
    Isaiah 9:6
    For unto us a Child is born,
    Unto us a Son is given;
    And the government will be upon His shoulder.
    And His name will be called
    Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God,
    Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

  200. Bailey Bishop says:

    The Lord is THE everlasting light, our hope in the darkness that can never be thwarted! Hallelujah for this truth today & everyday!

    1. Wendy B says:

      Amen ❤️

  201. Danielle B says:

    Welcome to all the new Shes. I pray this season of Advent blesses your hearts, renews your faith and draws you in closer to our savior!

    Jesus may my hope be aligned to you and not what the world says we should hope for.

    1. Mari V. says:

      I come along side you Danielle in agreement! I’m SO excited for all our new SRT She’s!

  202. Cheryl Blow says:

    The Hope of all the ends of the earth! Truly Jesus is the only answer for our dark world! My 5 year old grandson’s favorite hymn is Victory in Jesus! I pray that during this season we will all find Victory in Jesus! And that his light will shine through us into a dark world!

    1. Rhonda J. says:

      Yes, Amen to that!! I love that song as well!

  203. Jennifer Jackson says:

    I’m new here and the studies are very different than what I have done before. I am excited to see what God will do in my heart and life.

    1. Jazz Nean says:

      Welcome :)

    2. Wendy B says:

      Welcome ❤️

    3. Mari V. says:

      WELCOME Jennifer! We are SO glad your’re here with us!

    4. Tina says:

      Welcome Jennifer, welcome.!❤️

    5. Traci Gendron says:

      Welcome!

  204. Courtney Shepard says:

    I pray this study brings me away from the darkness and seeking more of His light.

    1. Mari V. says:

      Praying this with you Courtney!!

  205. Jody Striker says:

    Yes, Jesus, be our hope again this season. Let us see your true worth all over again. ❤️

  206. Courtney Dennis says:

    Amen!

  207. Lauren Ruhe says:

    Dear Lord, my hope this Advent season is that I am overcome by the true meaning of it all. Help my heart to be open and my mind to be quiet. In Jesus Christ I pray this prayer. Amen.

    1. Julia C says:

      Amen ❤️

  208. Melle Simms says:

    Maranatha! Come, Lord Jesus! You are our hope. Bring Your light into our dark world.

    Happy First Sunday of Advent, She’s! Excited to be joining you all on this journey of anticipation!

  209. Rhonda J. says:

    Now I see the reading- Psalm 55:6 You answer us with awesome and righteous deeds, God our Savior, the HOPE of all the ends of the earth and of the farthest seas,” The link didn’t work for me. On HRT the reading is Isiaih 9:6 (which is weird, they are usually the same.

    1. Searching says:

      I just noticed that too.

    2. Mari V. says:

      I noticed that as well when I shared to link with my son. I also shared the SRT Advent link with my daughter. Please pray they both join this study. As you know they both love Jesus, but this is SUCH a great study!

      1. Rhonda J. says:

        That would be wonderful! I sent a Christmas devotional to my son last year and I am praying he will be drawn to it.

  210. Ann Harris says:

    I pray that the light of this season washes over us, and particularly me. I pray that the busyness of the season, or the pain of trying to make it about “more” as the world around us characterizes it is overcome with the Hope, Peace! Joy and Love that is found in His Gift of salvation to us.

    1. Julia C says:

      Amen ❤️

  211. Rhonda J. says:

    It is said to survive you only need hope. That might be a not-completely-true saying. I mean if the water and food never come, you probably still won’t make it. Hope is one of those positive words, not necessarily a “Christian word,” so people can toss it around, which is still good, BUT when WE use the word HOPE it should mean something beautiful and completely true to us–The HOPE we have in Jesus Christ! He came! He restores, he transforms, he redeems, he rectifies, he heals, feeds with nourishment and living water. He is coming again, if we are not raised first! Everything is in our Hope! Our ashes made to beauty, our grave to life, our weak to strong, grief to joy, fear to peace all because of HOPE! We don’t say it frivolously–I hope for this and that..we don’t hope, we HAVE HOPE! It is a guarantee and gives us security. I am so filled with hope for a better days, the Kingdom Come which fulfills the hope, but until then, I keep my hope in Jesus in the now! Praise God!!
    So happy to start Advent to keep every day started with Hope, Peace, Love, and Joy and with my She’s!

    1. Danielle B says:

      We have Hope! How beautiful Rhonda!

    2. Mari V. says:

      Love it!

    3. Traci Gendron says:

      Love this Rhonda

  212. Lesley Abegunde says:

    Thank you Lord, for your light!

  213. Jean Connor says:

    Amen!

  214. Tamara YeoJanzen says:

    I believe I have been around for every She Reads Truth Advent Study. It has become a tradition for myself. It helps me align my focus and be intentional with my time during a busy month. Thanks She Reads Truth team for creating another beautiful study on the truth that is and is in God’s word.

    1. Cee Gee says:

      ❤ It does do that!

    2. Jazz Nean says:

      ❤️

  215. Keyanna Hyacinthe says:

    I love that an absolute truth is being dug into during this advent season where so many partial truths or straight up lies will be told. I’m excited to dig into scripture and breath in God’s goodness and love for me!

    1. Cee Gee says:

      Amen! ❤

  216. Anne Atchison says:

    A thrill of HOPE, the weary world REJOICES!!!

  217. Christine Hudson says:

    This is my first study with She Reads Truth as well!

    1. Rhonda J. says:

      Welcome Christine! You will be blessed!

    2. Jazz Nean says:

      Yay, welcome :)

    3. Kristin S says:

      Welcome Christine. Glad you are here.

    4. Wendy B says:

      Welcome ❤️

  218. Londi Segler says:

    Amen!

  219. Kelly (NEO) says:

    Lord, open our hearts to You this Advent Season so that we have great expectations of watching You move in our midst as we focus on Jesus.
    .
    MARGARET W – praying you get to church today

    1. Danielle B says:

      Yes Lord open our hearts to you, your hope and what you want to do in us.

  220. Danielle Lynn says:

    My first study with She Reads Truth subscription!

    1. Kelly (NEO) says:

      Welcome!

    2. Eileen Dowd says:

      Welcome Danielle! It is a joy to read with you and the other She’s this beautiful Advent season!

    3. Jazz Nean says:

      Yay!! Glad to have you :)

    4. Kristin S says:

      Welcome Danielle. Glad you are here.

    5. Wendy B says:

      Welcome ❤️

  221. Annie Ferret says:

    The beginning of this advent season and this focus of the dawn of redeeming grace feels like a big deep breath of fresh air!

  222. Jen Janssen says:

    So good to focus on the hope of Jesus, who was and is and is to come! ❤️

    1. Carol J Mylin says:

      ♥️

  223. Sally B. says:

    I love this statement in the devotion: “But what I’ve learned is that the almost-true things are never nearly as comforting as the absolutely-true things.” God’s promises in the Scripture are true, even when we cannot see them or the possibility of their coming true. The Light of the world has come, to seek and save the lost. He is coming again to judge evil and restore the world to its original state, and rule and reign forever! Come Lord Jesus!
    n the meantime, I’m praying this Advent season will be full of Hope, Peace, Joy and Love for us all. Looking forward to being women in the Word with you all every day!

    1. Kelly (NEO) says:

      ❤️Amen

    2. Maria Baer says:

      Amen

  224. Tina says:

    Hope-filled and looking forward to this advent study!
    .
    Happy Sunday, my dears..
    See you tomorrow..❤

    1. Mari V. says:

      Me too Tina!!! Love you sweet lady!

  225. Nicky Winterton says:

    Amen ❤️. So looking forward to these readings/studies/worship.

  226. Melissa Richards says:

    Amen

  227. LUCIA TERRONES says:

    Amen!
    So happy to be doing this advent plan!!!

  228. Tricia Theirl says:

    The world seems darker than ever nowadays. Evil, greed, and division is rampant. However, I have such an excitement and a new hope for this Advent study as I am reminded it won’t always be this way. More than ever, we need to stand firm in our faith and remember who He is. He is the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow. The status of the world changes nothing about Him. We need to remember we are of this world, not in it. This is not our home.

    1. Rhonda J. says:

      Amen!

    2. Wendy B says:

      Amen ❤️

  229. Wendy B says:

    Oh… I love the season of Advent. “The thrill of hope, the weary world rejoices” is the lyrics that comes to mind. It is such a weary world we live in filled with heart ache, brokeness, sickness, sorrow and strife. What a great relief and tremendous praise that all of our hope, for all things remains in Jesus.

    1. Kelly (NEO) says:

      “Long lay the world in sin and error pining
      Till He appeared and the soul felt its worth”
      .
      And we wait again for His Glorious Return.

      1. Rhonda J. says:

        I can’t wait to start Christmas music now!

        1. Traci Gendron says:

          I’ve been listening for awhile! I love it.

    2. Kathy Douglas says:

      ❤️

    3. Kelly Marshall says:

      ♥️amen!

    4. Kristin S says:

      Amen! Me to Wendy

    5. GramsieSue says:

      Yes, hope in this weary world,
      And rejoicing! ❤️