Word Studies
Advent Series
Christians have long observed the Advent season by meditating on peace, hope, joy, and love. Study these rich biblical words with our Advent series.
4 Episodes

Episode 1
Yakhal / Hope
Biblical hope is not optimism. In fact, the most hopeful people in the Bible often had very few reasons to believe that things would get better for them any time soon. But biblical hope is based not in circumstances but in the unchanging character of God. Learn more in this video from our Advent series.
4:34

Episode 2
Shalom / Peace
Peace is a very common word in English, and it means different things to different people. It's also a very important word in the Bible that refers not only to the absence of conflict but also to the presence of something else. In this video, we'll explore the core meaning of biblical peace, or shalom, and see how it all leads to Jesus.
3:49

Episode 3
Chara / Joy
Explore the unique type of joy to which God’s people are called. It’s more than happy mood. It's a choice to trust that God will fulfill his promises, and it's a joy that is long-lasting and life-giving. Learn more in this video from our Advent series.
4:32

Episode 4
Agape / Love
The word “love” is one of the sloppiest words in our language, as it primarily refers to a feeling that happens to a person. But in the New Testament, “love,” or “agape,” refers to a way of treating people that was defined by Jesus himself. It means to seek the well-being of others regardless of their response.
4:49