Advent in Four Words: An Advent study by four United Methodist bishops

This book was written with the local church in mind. Based on the 2025 Lectionary, congregants can read a daily devotion and join in a weekly study group, all based on the material in this book. It's the perfect church-wide Advent activity.

Advent in Four Words: An Advent Study by Four United Methodist Bishops is a meaningful new devotional designed to guide individuals and groups through the sacred season of Advent, using four central themes of the Christian journey: Hope, Peace, Joy, and Love.

Written by Bishops Kenneth L. Carder, Robert D. Farr, Sharma D. Lewis Logan, and Debra Wallace-Padgett, this powerful resource follows the 2025 Advent Lectionary and spans from Sunday, November 30 through Christmas Eve, December 24. Each bishop brings their distinct voice, pastoral experience, and scriptural insight to a week of devotions, leading readers toward deeper spiritual engagement during one of the most holy and expectant times of the Christian calendar.

The book is thoughtfully structured for both personal reflection and group study. Each day’s reading includes:

• A passage of Scripture drawn from the Advent lectionary
• A devotion crafted by one of the bishops
• A short, heartfelt prayer
• A question for personal or group reflection

The daily readings encourage readers to pause, breathe, and intentionally dwell in the presence of God during the often-busy holiday season. Whether you’re reading at the kitchen table each morning, gathered in a small group, or leading a church-wide Advent emphasis, Advent in Four Words creates space to reflect on the promises of Christ’s coming—past, present, and future.

At the end of each week, a practical study guide offers tools for group leaders and congregations who wish to go deeper together. These guides include summary questions, scripture exploration, and ideas for group dialogue, making the book ideal for church Advent series, Sunday school classes, or small group gatherings.

Bishop Kenneth Carder begins the first week with these striking words: “It’s New Year’s Day in the Christian year! The first Sunday in Advent marks a turning toward two promises…” With that, readers are invited into a journey that connects the ancient longing for the Messiah with our modern anticipation of God’s continued presence and future fulfillment.

Throughout the four weeks, readers will rediscover what it means to wait with Hope, live in Peace, celebrate with Joy, and love with the heart of Christ. The bishops offer more than simple reflections—they invite us to see Advent through the lens of transformation, where personal faith and communal longing meet the living story of God-With-Us.

Whether you are a lifelong Christian or new to the rhythms of the liturgical year, Advent in Four Words will enrich your Advent season. It offers the depth of theological reflection with the warmth of pastoral care, and it speaks to hearts yearning for meaning, connection, and light in the darkness.

As the church prepares once again for the coming of Christ, let this book be your companion. Come with expectation. Come with openness. Come with the hope, peace, joy, and love that are born anew in the light of Advent.