This first week of Advent focuses on the theme of hope—a hope made tangible through the arrival of Jesus.

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This 25-day guide is full of Scripture meditations, devotional readings with reflective questions, and contemplative imagery—all designed to help you slow down and savor the Advent season. Created in collaboration with Unhurried Living, an amazing ministry I’m confident you’ll love.

Why do we have hope?

As believers, our hope isn’t anchored in fleeting desires or wishful thinking. Instead, it is rooted in God’s faithfulness.

Did you know Jesus fulfilled more than 300 prophecies with His first coming—prophecies that were written centuries before His birth?

These fulfilled prophecies assure us that God faithfully keeps his promises. And that means, just as Jesus came once, He will come again. This is our sure hope.

This week’s meditation is one of the prophecies that Jesus fulfilled. It is from the book of Isaiah and was written hundreds of years before Jesus’s birth. It speaks clearly of Jesus as the Light who shines in our darkness.

Just like us, the people in Isaiah’s times struggled. While our struggles may differ, we know the weight of darkness in our lives and world. We, too, need the light of hope to break through. And Jesus is that light.

No matter what you’re facing this season, let this passage remind you of your sure hope in Christ—the One who entered into our darkness to bring His glorious light. I’m praying this meditation helps you rest in His unshakable hope today.

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Here are some additional helpful links:

Did you love today’s calming music by Simon Wester? If so, head here to find links to his music. I have his Spotify playlist on repeat.

You can find out more about me, Jodie, at http://www.jodieniznik.com/

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Learn more about Scripture meditation and download a FREE Lectio Divina Scripture Meditation Journal here.

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Find out more about my partner, Life Audio, at lifeaudio.com.

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The entire meditation text is as follows:

Isaiah 9:2, 6, NIV

2 The people walking in darkness

have seen a great light;

on those living in the land of deep darkness

a light has dawned.

6 For to us a child is born,

to us a son is given,

and the government will be on his shoulders.

And he will be called

Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,

Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.