ABOUND

ABOUND

The word “ABOUND” means to exist in large numbers or to be plentiful, and it can be beautifully applied to the meaning of Advent, a season of anticipation and preparation in the Christian tradition. Advent is a time when hope, joy, love, and peace are said to abound in the hearts of believers as we prepare to celebrate Christ’s birth at Christmas and look forward to his second coming.

Hope Abounds

Advent is a season of hope, looking forward to the fulfillment of God’s promises.

Romans 15:13: “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.”

This verse captures the overflowing hope we experience during Advent as we await Christ’s coming.

Joy Abounds

Joy is central to Advent, reflecting the anticipation of Christ’s arrival.

Luke 2:10-11: “And the angel said to them, ‘Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.’”

The message of Christ’s birth brings abundant joy and is celebrated throughout the Advent season.

Love Abounds

Advent reflects the abundance of God’s love, revealed through the incarnation of Jesus.

John 3:16: “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.”

1 John 4:9: “In this the love of God was made manifest among us, that God sent his only Son into the world, so that we might live through him.”

God’s love overflows in his gift of Jesus, inspiring love in our hearts during Advent.

Peace Abounds

Peace is a hallmark of Advent, as we trust in Christ’s promises.

Isaiah 9:6: “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.”

John 14:27: “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.”

Christ’s arrival brings abundant peace to those who trust in him.

By saying these virtues “abound” during Advent, we emphasize the rich, overflowing nature of the spiritual blessings and sentiments this season inspires. By connecting these themes to Scripture, we see how Advent is a time when hope, joy, love, and peace truly abound in the hearts of believers.