Advent is a time of joyful anticipation. Christians around the world spend the weeks leading up to Christ’s birth in prayer, repentance, and deep reflection. As we prepare our hearts for the coming of Christ, we are reminded of God’s unmatched mercy and immeasurable grace—for the Lord so loved the world, we’ve been blessed with a savior, the Prince of Peace.
Jesus’ birth brings light and hope to a world often plagued with the darkness of violence, injustice, and brokenness. And although it’s only God’s redemptive love that can truly heal nations and communities, we as Christians can do our part in spreading good by following the example of Jesus, who compels us to love our neighbors near and far.
At Bread for the World, this principle is the foundation of our efforts to end hunger. Through our faith in Christ, we endeavor to play a role in kingdom building by advocating for the more than 700 million people experiencing hunger around the world every day.
In the U.S., the measure of hunger is food insecurity; an estimated 40 million Americans, including 12 million children, are uncertain of where their next meal will come from. And over 50 million people across 45 countries are facing emergency levels of hunger, meaning they are on the brink of famine.
People are not only in need of food, but there is a global hunger for justice, equity, and security. This is why our work is grounded in the hope that Christ’s arrival brings and is inspired by God’s redemptive love.
In the last two years, we’ve seen a pandemic, climate change, and worldwide economic woes shake up our lives and complicate access to nutritious food for groups already disproportionately impacted by hunger. As such, we are committed to urging those in power to do everything possible to pursue a world where everyone has food security.
To carry on in this work, we diligently seek and rely on God’s guidance and faithfulness. It is only through Christ, who strengthens us daily, that we may be steadfast and fruitful in our efforts.
Join Bread for the World in observing this Advent season as we reflect on the coming of Christ – Immanuel, God with us; the one who brings hope, peace, joy, and love to our troubled world.
Here are Bread for the World’s 2022 weekly Advent themes:
Advent 1: “Hope for the World”
Scripture: Matthew 3:1-12 NRSV
Reflection: We begin Advent with an exercise of repentance. We turn away the things in this world that we think can save us—whether that is money or food or friends or busy-ness. In turn, we trust in the hope of a God more powerful than death, who came in body and flesh to walk among us.
Advent 2: “Peace for the World”
Scripture: Isaiah 2:1-5 NRSV
Reflection: We wait for the coming of the Prince of Peace so that the world might be reconciled, and peace might prevail. A peace that is anchored in justice and mercy. A peace that shows compassion for those whose lives are disrupted, whose bodies are broken, and whose voices are so often drowned out.
Advent 3: “Joy for the World”
Scripture: Luke 1:46b-55 NRSV
Reflection: Our hearts are filled with joy and anticipation as we wait for the Lord to come and set us free. This joy can open our eyes and stir our hearts out of complacency so that we might shine the light of Christ’s joy to our neighbors and friends, and so that we are not satisfied with things as they are.
Advent 4: “Love for the World”
Scripture: Psalm 80:1-7, 17-19 NRSV
Reflection: God loved the world so much that God came to walk among us in human flesh in the person of Jesus, the Christ. As we wait for our savior, we reflect on that deep abiding love that Jesus demonstrated through teaching, healing, and forgiving sins.
Download Bread for the World’s free Advent devotional for in-depth scriptures, reflections, and prayers.
Bread for the World
Advent Devotional
Christ’s arrival is the greatest sign of a brighter future. In the spirit of Advent, we’re encouraged to deepen our efforts to help end hunger in our time. We hope you will continue to support us by speaking up, praying, and giving. May Christ’s light shine in us as we come together to bring hope to those experiencing hunger around the world.
