Hope. It can be such an intimidating virtue, especially in the Christian understanding of what it means to live in hope. It is the joyful anticipation of the good. My melancholic heart often struggles with this virtue. Sometimes I feel my body tensing up when I think of staying positive or hopeful.
But why is it so scary? Why is it so hard to hope? Is it just a gift only some people have?
Hope as a Gift
Maybe you’re like me, and staying positive and hopeful is hard for you when all the world’s problems seem in the way. Maybe you’re completely the opposite: the hopeful one in the group, eager to see what else this life (and the next) has to offer. Either way, thank goodness hope is a God-given gift to us.
Christ—Our Only Hope
The Catechism of the Catholic Church defines hope as “the desire of the kingdom of heaven [. . .] placing our trust in Christ’s promises and relying not on our own strength but on the help of the grace of the Holy Spirit” (§ 1817)
In this year’s Advent devotional, Thrill of Hope, Liz Kelly Stanchina beautifully invites us to enter into this season hoping in Christ, finding ourselves in Christ. Let’s lean into this God-given gift, trusting that only He can be our hope.
Contagious Hope
Swallowed in my melancholy (yet again), I made the conclusion that only I knew what waiting felt like and that I was alone.
I sat with a group of my close friends and shared what had been on my heart and how I had been struggling with the season of singleness I was in. I felt so hopeless, just ready to give up on the thought of finding the right person with whom I am meant to spend the rest of my life.
One of those friends gently reminded me that while we are waiting, we are not alone as we wait. What we wait for, what we each hope for, is completely different, but the comfort of waiting alongside those around you somehow makes it easier.
That is contagious hope—one that invites those around us to hope in Christ the same way. We hope this year’s Advent devotional can offer you space to walk with four biblical women on this journey of hope.
- With Eve, receive a renewal of your God-given identity that you are enough.
- With Sarah, walk in confidence that God never stops working in your life.
- With Ruth, remember that no circumstances limit God’s mighty power.
- With Mary, live in joy believing that your story of hope is still unfolding.
What to Expect in the Advent Devotional
We invite you to follow Christ in hope and find yourself in Him this Advent season. Each chapter of this devotional walks through a different element of hope through the lens of a different biblical woman. Each week, we will combat common misconceptions of God and ourselves with the truth that each biblical woman will teach us. We will hear and learn from stories written by Liz.
Weekly Themes //
- Week 1 - Eve: Created for Hope
- Week 2 - Sarah: The Burden of Hope
- Week 3 - Ruth: A Living Hope
- Week 4 - Mary: Bearer of Hope
How the Week is Structured //
- Sunday // Read Scripture passages from each woman's story and spend time in lectio divina.
- Monday-Friday // Read reflections and prompts of prayer and journaling based on the Scripture passages.
- Saturday // Practice.
The Advent Gathering
There’s something profoundly beautiful and comforting about walking with others in certain seasons of life. Blessed is She has done the hard work of planning a special Advent retreat for us, and we just get to be present and receive. The gathering will be Thursday, December 12, at 8 p.m. ET, in the Member Community. Hosted by Olivia Spears, author of the children’s Advent devotional, women will be gathered to watch and pray together, celebrating in fellowship, joy, and the Spirit. Distance or time zone difference is no obstacle for this gathering. You can virtually attend with one friend, with your Bible study group, or even fifty people. We will all be together, entering into this new season.
As we prepare to begin this Advent season, I invite you to pray about who you can walk with on this journey of hope. Is there a friend who comes to your heart? This is a beautiful opportunity to invite them and pray with them in their journey of hope. The Advent Gathering is a simple, low-commitment opportunity, especially for those with busy schedules.
A Space for Hope
Sister, boldly ask the Lord for a newfound hope in Him this Advent. The grace and joy He is preparing to offer you in this season is unimaginable. Open your heart and receive, making space for hope. We are excited to walk with you this Advent and we pray that you receive this renewal of hope in a profound way.
Get Your Devotional Here //
- A Thrill of Hope: Advent Devotional for Catholic Women
- A Thrill of Hope: Advent Devotional for Kids
- A Thrill of Hope: Women + Kids Bundle
- A Thrill of Hope: Advent Devotional for Catholic Women // Digital Download
Mary Peach lives in Cincinnati, Ohio. She works remotely as a resource specialist for Regnum Christi after recently finishing her Master’s in Psychology. She was born in Ethiopia and adopted when she was eleven years old. Mary fell in love with the Lord as a deep and personal friend and made it her mission to help others encounter Him the same way she did. She loves to share her adoption story and healing journey in hopes to help others embrace their journey of healing as well.
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