Advent is the four-week period prior to Christmas when we anticipate the culmination of God’s promise to send a Savior to the world. Each week follows a theme: first hope, then peace, joy, and finally, love. Prayerfully read and reflect on these daily Bible verses to engage in Advent discussions with your family.Week 1 Hope — Mighty God Always Keeps His WordMonday“For a child is born to us, a son is given to us. The government will rest on his shoulders. And he will be called: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6, emphasis added).When God kept His promise by sending Jesus to live in the world with people, what did He communicate about His thoughts toward us? When Jesus died on the cross and came back to life on the third day, what did He show you about His ability to keep every promise He’s made? Make a list of God’s promises to remind you He is Mighty God.Tuesday“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His great mercy has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to obtain an inheritance which is imperishable and undefiled and will not fade away, reserved in heaven for you” (1 Peter 1:3-4).An inheritance usually passes from a parent to a child. What traits did you inherit from your parents? What is the inheritance you receive when you trust Jesus as your Savior and Lord? What makes this inheritance so special? How does remembering your home in heaven sustain you in difficult times?Wednesday“So God has given both his promise and his oath. These two things are unchangeable because it is impossible for God to lie. Therefore, we who have fled to him for refuge can have great confidence as we hold to the hope that lies before us. This hope is a strong and trustworthy anchor for our souls” (Hebrews 6:18-19).Has anyone ever lied to you? How did you feel when you discovered the truth? When you realize God can never lie because it’s contrary to His nature, how do you respond? How does hope anchor us in an ever-changing world?Thursday“Let us hold tightly without wavering to the hope we affirm, for God can be trusted to keep his promise” (Hebrews 10:23).Can you think of a time when you doubted God could keep His promise? What caused the doubts? What would be a good way to remind yourself God can be trusted to keep every promise? Take time to thank God for promises He’s kept and ask Him to help you believe everything He says.Friday“’For I know the plans I have for you,’ says the Lord. ‘They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. In those days when you pray, I will listen. If you look for me wholeheartedly, you will find me’” (Jeremiah 29:11-13).How does knowing God has good plans for you give you hope? What is prayer and how does it strengthen your hope? How can you follow through on a commitment to talk to God every day? What is a special promise God makes to you in this verse? What are some ways you can look for God?Photo credit: ©Getty Images/bzzup