The Meaning of the First Week of Advent (Context & Tradition)
The First Week of Advent is traditionally dedicated to Hope.
In the early Church, this week marked the beginning of a spiritual “wake-up call”: a time to recognize our deep need for Christ and to rekindle trust in God’s promises.
The first purple candle of the Advent wreath—often called the Prophet’s Candle—symbolizes the hope of Israel as they awaited the Messiah. The prophets, especially Isaiah, spoke of a light that would one day shine in the darkness. Advent invites us to enter that same longing with renewed expectation.
To begin this week well is to say:
“Lord, I believe You are coming. Help me prepare my heart.”
This context gives meaning to every prayer we offer during this sacred season.
A True Advent Story of Hope
In 1943, during the Second World War, a young mother in England named Margaret lived in constant fear for her husband, a soldier stationed abroad. That Advent, she lit the first candle of their family wreath alone with her two children. She prayed one simple line each night:
“Lord Jesus, come into our darkness with Your hope.”
One evening, just before Christmas Eve, a letter arrived—weeks late due to the chaos of the war. Inside was a note from her husband telling her he was alive and safe after surviving an attack in which most of his unit had fallen.
He wrote:
“I don’t know how I survived. But I felt carried. As if someone was praying for me.”
That year, Margaret said she understood Advent for the first time:
Hope is not wishful thinking.
Hope is God entering the darkest places with quiet strength.
Stories like this remind us that the First Week of Advent is more than a liturgical tradition—it is a real encounter with Christ’s light.
Why Pray the First Week of Advent Prayer?
This prayer is especially powerful if you:
- feel discouraged or spiritually tired
- are waiting for an answer or a breakthrough
- are praying for a loved one
- are facing a difficult season
- want to begin Advent with intention and peace
Hope does not deny our struggles—it transforms them.
When we pray, we place our trust in a God who keeps His promises.
1. Prayer for the First Week of Advent (Hope)
Heavenly Father,
as we begin the First Week of Advent,
fill my heart with hope.
Help me trust that Your promises are true,
that Your love is constant,
and that the light of Christ is already rising in my life.
Lord Jesus,
You are the promised Savior,
the dawn that breaks the darkness.
Come into my heart,
renew my faith,
and awaken my desire to follow You more closely.
Holy Spirit,
strengthen me this week.
Guide my thoughts,
purify my intentions,
and help me prepare a place worthy of You.
O Mary, Mother of Hope,
walk with me during this Advent season
and teach me to wait with faith,
to trust with confidence,
and to welcome Jesus with a pure and joyful heart.
Amen.
🕯️ 2. Reflection for the First Week of Advent
The First Week of Advent centers on hope—not a vague optimism, but a theological hope rooted in God’s fidelity.
Hope means:
- believing God is working even when we cannot see,
- expecting Christ’s light in our darkness,
- trusting His promises,
- and preparing our hearts with confidence.
Advent reminds us that Christ comes into every place that is waiting for Him.
🌿 3. How to Pray This Week of Advent
Here’s a simple way to make this first week meaningful:
- Light the first purple candle of the Advent wreath.
- Pray the First Week of Advent prayer each morning or evening.
- Choose one small spiritual practice (1 Our Father daily, reading Luke 1, a short moment of silence).
- Offer a small sacrifice for someone in need.
- End the week by thanking God for the hope He places in your life.
Even a simple gesture opens space for grace.
🙏 Short Closing Prayer
Come, Lord Jesus.
Fill my heart with hope
as I begin this Advent journey with You.
Amen.
🔥 Spiritual Practices for This Week
To go deeper during the First Week of Advent, you may try:
✔ Light your Advent wreath daily
Let the small flame remind you that Christ’s light always grows, even when life feels dim.
✔ Read Isaiah 9:1–7
This passage announces the coming of the Messiah: “The people walking in darkness have seen a great light.”
✔ Keep one moment of silence
Just 60 seconds of quiet makes space for God’s voice in your day.
✔ Offer a small sacrifice
Advent is a mini-Lent. Even one simple act (less social media, extra kindness, fasting from negativity) opens your heart.
✔ End each day with gratitude
Hope grows when we recognize the good God has already done.
🧭 Looking Ahead to Next Week
Each week of Advent builds on the last:
- Week 1 – Hope
- Week 2 – Peace
- Week 3 – Joy
- Week 4 – Love
🔗 Related Advent Devotions
- First Week of Advent Prayer
- Second Week of Advent Prayer
- Third Week of Advent Prayer
- Fourth Week of Advent Prayer
📌 Share This Devotion
If this prayer blessed your Advent journey, share it with someone who needs hope, peace, joy, or love:
- Share on Facebook
- Save on Pinterest
- Send to a friend
Save This Prayer on Pinterest
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. You may pray it daily throughout Advent, morning or evening.
Absolutely. Advent prayers are beautiful when prayed together at home.
No. It is a personal devotion meant to enrich your Advent season.
Week 1 – Purple (Hope)
Week 2 – Purple (Peace)
Week 3 – Rose (Joy)
Week 4 – Purple (Love)
🌟 Come, Lord Jesus.
Bless this Advent week with hope, peace, joy, and love.
