Advent quotes for Preaching and Reflection (2024)

As we journey through the Advent season, we are invited to practice the virtues of love, joy, peace, and hope with quiet intention. These virtues build upon one another.

Love is the foundation, the root from which all other virtues grow.

Without love, no other quality can fully flourish.

From love springs joy—a deep contentment that comes from experiencing God’s love in our lives.

This joy leads to peace—a calm assurance that sustains us through uncertainty and reminds us of God’s faithfulness.

Finally, hope arises, not as a fleeting wish, but as a confident trust in the promises of Christ, who came to bring light to the world.

While these are internal qualities, they are fully realized through action.

Hope gives birth to courage.

Peace requires effort and reconciliation.

Joy often comes from gratitude or service.

And love is always active, never passive.

Advent calls us to embody these virtues in our daily lives, not through grand gestures, but through quiet, humble acts.

This “quiet practice” refers to subtle yet intentional deeds that may not be loud or ostentatious but carry great meaning.

As Henri Nouwen wrote, "In this Advent season, love is not passive. It is a verb, a force that requires us to reach out, to serve, and to care for others” (Life of the Beloved).

It is offering love with a kind word, spreading joy through simple acts of generosity.

An Advent quite practice includes seeking forgiveness and reconciliation.

I’ts living in hope by trusting God’s promises, even when circumstances are difficult.

As Mother Teresa reminds us, “If we have no peace, it is because we have forgotten that we belong to each other” (The Joy in Loving: A Guide to Daily Living).

Our gift to you is a beautiful collection of quotes that you can apply to your preaching, personal reflections, and Christian education.

These quotes from Scripture and other authors help us sink into these virtues, accompanied by images that help us slow down and let the wisdom sink in.

In the stillness of this season, I hope we are inspired to live out these virtues through small, unnoticed actions that prepare our hearts for the coming of Christ.

For in these quiet moments and simple deeds, we find the true essence of Advent.