In this Uncommon Purpose episode, Mandy and Stephanie open Advent with Hope—not wishful thinking or “hope in people,” but biblical hope rooted in God’s character and promises. They reflect on the long silence before Christ’s birth, Mary and Joseph’s steadfast obedience, and how generational preparation forms a hopeful posture. Practically, they share simple Advent rhythms: lighting the first candle, keeping devotions un-fussy, using a family Jesse Tree, and weaving Scripture into ordinary pauses with the YouVersion Bible app.

You’ll hear why remembering past faithfulness fuels present hope (Romans 15:13), how to start small if you’re late to Advent (“no shame”), and names of God that anchor hope—El Shaddai (All-Sufficient God) and Jehovah Jireh (The Lord Will Provide). Expect a warm nudge to journal specific memories of God’s faithfulness and tuck that journal into your Christmas box to revisit each year—because His faithfulness before is evidence of His promises going forward.

Scripture

• Romans 15:13 — “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace…”
• Advent context: Intertestamental silence & Messianic prophecy (e.g., Luke 1–2, Isaiah 7:14; 9:2,6–7)
• Obedience/faithfulness themes: Matthew 1:18–25 (Joseph), Luke 1:26–38 (Mary), Luke 1:46–55 (Magnificat)

Resources the episode names

• Advent devotional: “Shadows and Light” —
• Jenni Keller — “Love Comes Near”
• YouVersion Bible App
• Jesse Tree

Practical prompts for listeners

• “Light the Hope candle. Spend five minutes remembering a time God was faithful; write it down.”
• “Start small: one Advent moment this week is better than a perfect plan you never use.”
• “Create a Hope Journal and store it with your Christmas decor to revisit each year.”