Horizon Church Christmas Advent Bible Reading Plan: The Joy of Every Longing HeartSample

Welcome to the Advent season!

Whatever December looks like for you, wherever you are, whoever you are with or not with; our hope is that you would set aside time every day over the December season to open God’s Word. We will have short devotionals each day to help you reflect on the day’s reading. It is our prayer that this Christmas, you would have a deeper understanding of the Long-Expected Jesus!

My mum used to travel a lot for work when I was young, she still does now. Every time she left, she would give us a hug and utter the words, “I love you” and remind my siblings and I that she would see us soon. We never for a moment doubted this promise, even when her return felt later than expected. With the purest of childlike trust, we stayed awake and we longed for it. This was because our expectation was birthed out of history—a promise previously fulfilled. She had returned in the past, and with complete confidence, we trusted she’d be faithful to return in the future.

This is the rhythmic refrain of Advent—we have a sure promise of our Beloved’s glorious return (Colossians 1:15–20). And while we wait, we have His presence and power.

“I am the Alpha and the Omega,” says the Lord God, “the One who is, who was, and who is to come, the Almighty.” — Revelation 1:8

The existence of God as past, present, and future means we don’t just look ahead in our longing; it is not only forward facing. We look back and remember our longing is birthed out of history—a sure promise that actively propels us into the present. Because indeed, this day is preparing us for the future day when Jesus shall ultimately return, His eternal existence guarantees it, here and now (Colossians 1:22–23).

So may I place a challenge before us this Advent?

As we cry, “Come, Thou long-expected Jesus,” let us also savour the nearness of the One who is and has always been (Revelation 1:8). Let us allow His eternal existence to prompt our present prayers and propel our future hopes. And let us, with the purest of childlike trust, remember the faith-filled depths of this proclamation (come, Thou long-expected Jesus) that is our prayer. For without such longing, there is no hope.