This week, we are reflecting on the first advent candle: HOPE.   The word advent means “coming” or “arrival” and speaks of Jesus’ arrival that first Christmas morning in Bethlehem.  The season of Advent is a time when we joyously and prayerfully anticipate the celebration of Jesus’ first coming. And, we look forward to His second coming, while also affirming that He is present in the world today offering His redeeming love to anyone who will simply receive it.   One of the most beautiful symbols of the Advent season is the traditional Advent wreath. This Advent wreath is intended to help us keep our focus on the real reason for the season – the birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Each Sunday leading up to Christmas, we will be talking about a different candle – representing, in order, hope, peace, joy, and love – although we usually light these candles in our homes, we obviously can't do that on the podcast, but we will still talk about the candles as a way to remember each week in the advent season.   So join us for the next 4 weeks and then the final episode on Christmas Day as we set time to focus our eyes, minds, and hearts on Jesus – the true reason for the season.   Learn More About Advent: https://realtalkchristianpodcast.com/episodes/172-what-is-advent-and-why-do-we-celebrate-it/   Learn More About RTC: https://realtalkchristianpodcast.com   Music by Grand_Project from Pixabay