The Redirection of Hope

Advent Devotional Notes 2025

Day 2, Monday, 01 December 2025

Theme: Second Coming

I began observing Advent devotionals only a few years ago. Christmas, however, has been part of my life for as long as I can remember. Yet only recently did I realize that Advent is not merely about anticipating Christmas Day. After reading and reflecting deeply—through books, prayer, as well as Google and ChatGPT—I’ve come to see that Advent is, above all, a season of renewed hope in Jesus’ second coming. It reminds me that He will return to bring peace and justice to this broken world, drawing His people to Himself. Sadly, many of us (myself included) have often misunderstood Advent, reducing it to a prelude to Christmas rather than a call to lift our eyes toward eternity. I thank God, then, for the grace and wisdom of the Church in preserving this sacred rhythm. These 28 days are not just a countdown to a holiday, but an invitation to redirect my hope—from the fleeting promises of this world to the steadfast love of Christ.

The Longing for Advent

Advent Devotional Notes 2025

Day 1, Sunday, 30 November 2025

Theme: Hope

As a child, I looked forward to Christmas because of the gifts. They were the highlight of the season—bright, exciting, and full of anticipation. But as I grew older, I began to understand that those gifts were never the main point; they were only signposts pointing me to the Wondrous Gift God has given to the world—His only Son. Now, as an adult who can afford the things I want, I no longer anticipate Christmas the same way. The thrill of wrapped presents has faded, and at times I’m not even sure what I’m supposed to feel or how to enter the Advent season. It took me a long time to realize that I’m still meant to anticipate Christmas like a child—but with a different kind of longing. Not for signatorial gifts that are shadows, but for the true Gift who is the substance. So now I’m learning to fix my eyes again on Christ Himself—the Real Gift—rediscovering wonder not in what I receive, but in the One who came.