ADVENT WITH THE DEACONS
Advent Through The Eyes of Scripture
A four-week journey of hope, peace, joy, and love.
A four-week journey of hope, peace, joy, and love.
Now in its 5th year, Advent with the Deacons is a cherished Upper Room tradition that leads us through the sacred season of Advent. Each week, a different deacon offers a reflection to help us prepare for the coming of Christ and deepen our hope, faith, joy, and love.
What began as a simple effort to keep our community connected in prayer has grown into a meaningful annual encounter with God’s Word and presence. These shared moments remind us that Advent is not only a time of waiting but a time of welcoming Christ into our hearts, our homes, and our world.
WEEK 1:
HOPE
NOVEMBER 22
Topic:
Isaiah's Hope
WEEK 2:
PEACE
NOVEMBER 29
Topic:
John the Baptist’s Call
WEEK 3:
JOY
DECEMBER 6
Topic:
Mary’s Song of Joy
WEEK 4:
LOVE
DECEMBER 6
Topic:
The Shepherds’ Encounter
The Advent wreath reminds us that the light of Christ is drawing near.
Each candle has a meaning. It's a step on our journey toward His birth.
Click below to reflect and pray with us each week.
“The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light.” (Isaiah 9:2)
As we light the first candle, we open our hearts to God’s promise.
When life feels uncertain or dim, the light of Christ breaks through our darkness. The first candle reminds us that God’s promises are never forgotten, even when we can’t yet see their fulfillment.
This week, may we look for signs of hope and trust that His light is already dawning.
Prayer:
Lord, kindle in us the light of Your hope, and teach us to wait in joyful trust for Your coming.
“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you.” (John 14:27)
In a world of unrest, Christ’s peace becomes our anchor.
Christ’s peace is not the absence of trouble but the calm assurance of His presence. As the second candle glows, we are invited to rest in that sacred stillness, to let go of anxiety and welcome the Prince of Peace into our hearts and homes.
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, quiet our hearts and fill us with the peace that only You can give.
“Rejoice in the Lord always.” (Philippians 4:4)
The third candle shines pink. A reminder that joy is born of faith.
Amid the waiting, God calls us to rejoice. The rose candle shines with joyful expectation, reminding us that joy isn’t dependent on circumstances. It springs from knowing that God is near.
This week, let your gratitude become your song.
Prayer:
Lord, open our hearts to Your joy, that we may rejoice in You and bring Your gladness to others.
“For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son.” (John 3:16)
As the final candle is lit, we prepare to receive Love made flesh.
Love is the heart of Advent. As we light the final candle, we remember that all of Scripture, every promise, every prophecy, leads to this truth: God’s love took on flesh and dwelt among us.
May that love fill our hearts and overflow into the world around us.
Prayer:
Lord, help us to receive Your love deeply and share it freely with all we meet.
The Jesse Tree:
A Family Journey Through Advent
The Jesse Tree tells the story of God’s plan for salvation, from Creation to the birth of Jesus.
Each ornament represents a part of this story, reminding us that God’s promise has always been fulfilled in love.
This is a beautiful way to involve children and grandchildren in preparing for Christmas.
How Families Can Use It
(Full Kit Below)
Read the bible story connected to each symbol.
Pray together as a family.
Hang or color an ornament for that day.
Share your Advent moments with us! Share your wreaths, Jesse Trees, or family reflections and we'll add them to our community carousel.
Feel free to post on Facebook or Instagram tagging us and using #URAdvent.
We can't wait to celebrate your light and joy this season!
Share hope with someone who’s struggling.
Send a message, make a call, or write a note to encourage someone who might be feeling discouraged or forgotten.
Remind them that God hasn’t forgotten them. He is near.
Be a peacemaker this week.
Choose forgiveness over frustration.
Reach out to mend a relationship, offer an apology, or simply choose to respond gently instead of reacting harshly.
Let peace begin with you.
Spread joy where you are.
Do something that brings joy to another: a small gift, a smile, a compliment, or a surprise act of service.
Let your joy reflect the nearness of Christ.
Watch the 2024 Advent with the Deacons Series Now
Waiting on the Lord with Deacon Peter
Hope, The Only Thing Stronger Than Fear with Deacon Kester
Evangelization 2033 with Deacon Darrell
Call Us Out Of Darkness Into Light with Deacon Keith
“Let every heart prepare Him room.