Advent Week 1 | Faith With No Guarantees | The Songs of the First Christmas

In this episode of Connecting Faith and Life, we’re kicking off a brand-new Advent series called “Songs of the First Christmas.” Each week, we slow down with Scripture through readings, prayers, and reflections. Andrea Brown and I share how we read, reflect, and respond to the Bible, and why listening has become such a big part of hearing God speak to my heart.

This week, we focus on hope, especially the kind that grows in places that feel empty or barren. Luke begins the Christmas story with a couple who had every reason to give up. Isaiah invites the barren to sing. And Hebrews honors people who trusted God even when the promise didn’t look the way they expected.

Their stories remind me that real hope begins with God Himself, not just the things I long for. Watch now and reflect. What does hope look like for you this Advent season?

Advent: The Songs of the First Christmas

Questions for personal reflection:

Why do you think Luke begins the Christmas story with Zechariah and Elizabeth instead of Jesus?

Isaiah tells the barren person to “sing.” What might that symbolize for someone feeling discouraged or empty today?

What does it mean to place your hope in God Himself rather than in a specific outcome?

Hebrews celebrates people who never received what they were promised. How does that challenge your definition of faith?