Updated for Advent 2026, which begins Sunday, November 29.
Advent is the season of four Sundays before Christmas when Christians prepare their hearts for Jesus. In 2026 it begins Sunday, November 29. Day 1 starts with Isaiah’s promise: “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given” (Isaiah 9:6, ESV). Begin today with one quiet question: what am I waiting for God to do? For the whole story, from Isaiah’s promise to the manger, see our Christmas story Bible study.
Key Verse
“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and of peace there will be no end, on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish it and to uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time forth and forevermore. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will do this.” (Isaiah 9:6–7, ESV)
Reflection
Advent begins today. For centuries, Christians have set apart the four weeks before Christmas as a season of waiting and preparation. The word “advent” means “coming.” We remember how God’s people waited for the Messiah to come the first time, and we look forward to the day Jesus will come again.
It is fitting to start with Isaiah 9. These words were spoken roughly seven hundred years before Jesus was born, during a dark chapter in Israel’s history. Powerful enemies threatened the nation. Many of God’s people had turned away from him. Just before this passage, Isaiah describes distress, darkness, and gloom. Then, suddenly, the tone changes: the people who walked in darkness have seen a great light.
What is that light? “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given.” God’s answer to the darkness was not an army, a political strategy, or a powerful king on a warhorse. It was a baby. That is the surprising way God works. He brings his greatest rescue through what looks small and weak.
Notice the two phrases. A child is born: this speaks of Jesus’ true humanity. He would enter the world the way every one of us does, as a vulnerable infant. A son is given: this speaks of his divine origin. The Son existed before he was born; he was given by the Father as a gift to the world.
“And the government shall be upon his shoulder.” This child will carry the weight of ruling. Human leaders often crumble under that weight, but this King’s shoulders are strong enough to bear it. Then Isaiah gives his names: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Over the next few days, we will look at these names one at a time, because each one reveals something about who Jesus is and what he offers us.
“Of the increase of his government and of peace there will be no end.” Every earthly kingdom eventually ends. Empires rise and fall. But Jesus’ kingdom only grows, and it is marked by justice, righteousness, and peace that will last forever.
And the final line may be the most comforting: “The zeal of the LORD of hosts will do this.” The fulfillment of this promise did not depend on Israel’s faithfulness, and it does not depend on ours. God himself is passionately committed to accomplishing it. His zeal, his burning determination, guarantees that his promises will come true.
As Advent begins, you may be carrying darkness of your own: grief, worry, loneliness, or simply the weariness of a long year. Isaiah reminds us that God sees the darkness and has already sent the light. This season, slow down enough to notice it. The child has been born. The Son has been given. And his kingdom of peace will never end.
Today, Try This
Light a candle this evening, whether an Advent wreath or a simple candle on your table. Read Isaiah 9:2 and 9:6–7 aloud, and name one area of darkness in your life where you are asking Jesus to bring his light this season.
Reflection Question
What area of darkness in your life do you want to bring to Jesus, the great light, as Advent begins?
Prayer
Lord God, thank you for sending your Son into our darkness. As Advent begins, quiet my heart and help me prepare to celebrate his coming. Shine your light into the dark places of my life, and fill me with hope in your kingdom that will never end. Amen.
Keep Reading
- Explore more: Advent devotionals
- Read today’s and past daily devotionals
- Go deeper: the birth of Jesus (Luke 2 study)
- Start here: what the narrow gate means (Matthew 7:13-14)
Keep Reading
- Devotional on the Armor of God: Ephesians 6:10-18
- Devotional on Abiding in Christ: John 15:4-5
- Devotional on Obedience: Be Doers of the Word (James 1:22)
- More Devotionals
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is Advent and when does it start?
Advent is the four-week season before Christmas when Christians prepare to celebrate Jesus' birth and anticipate His return. It begins on the fourth Sunday before December 25. "Advent" comes from a Latin word meaning "coming" or "arrival." The color often used is purple, signaling preparation.
Why is Isaiah 9:6 read at the start of Advent?
Isaiah 9:6 is read at Advent because it is one of the clearest Old Testament promises of the coming Messiah. It announces that a child would be born and a son given to God's people, and it names who he would be and how he would reign. Advent begins by remembering the promise.
What is the meaning of the first Advent candle?
The first Advent candle usually represents hope, sometimes called the prophecy candle. It recalls the prophets, like Isaiah, who announced the coming Savior centuries in advance. Lighting it reminds believers that God keeps His promises, even after long waiting. Advent opens by looking forward.
How can I start a simple Advent devotional practice?
Start a simple Advent practice by reading one short Scripture passage each day, lighting a candle, and praying for a few minutes. Many people follow a reading plan through Isaiah and Luke. Consistency matters more than length; five quiet minutes daily can reshape the season.