The Advent season reminds us of waiting, preparing, and holding onto hope, especially when times feel uncertain or difficult. For faith leaders, people with disabilities, their families, and professionals who support them, hope can feel both incredibly essential and, at times, challenging to maintain. The journey of Advent—between the anticipation of Christ’s birth and the promise of His return—echoes the everyday challenges faced by many within the disability community and those who support them. How can we cultivate hope amidst life’s unpredictability?

The concept of “in-between” resonates with anyone who feels they are waiting for something—a breakthrough, understanding, or perhaps healing. For individuals with disabilities and their advocates, the “in-between” can reflect the tension between limitations and potential, challenges and triumphs. Faith leaders, too, experience these “in-betweens,” especially when it comes to supporting their congregations through hardships.

Advent reminds us that hope isn’t just something we await but something we actively cultivate in the “now.” Through practices like prayer, silence, and self-care, we can draw closer to God, deepening our trust that He is present in each moment, no matter how uncertain. For those involved in care ministry, professionals supporting people with disabilities, and families alike, this perspective can be transformative.

Self-care is crucial for caregivers and faith leaders alike. Often, the weight of supporting others can lead to burnout, fatigue, and, eventually, despair. During Advent, we are invited to pause and reflect on the importance of resting in God’s presence and caring for our physical and mental well-being. Simple practices—like breathing exercises or taking intentional time to meditate on Scripture—can help replenish our hope.

For instance, breathing deeply with phrases like, “Praise God, from whom all blessings flow,” allows us to reconnect with God’s sustaining grace. Self-care becomes a sacred practice, helping us remember that we are loved and valued by God. Through this intentional rest, we find renewed strength to face the challenges of ministry, caregiving, or advocating for a loved one.

Another powerful tool for finding hope is the beauty of creation. Brother Lawrence, a 17th-century monk, found solace in observing a bare winter tree, realizing that new life would soon return. For those in ministry or who advocate for or support individuals with disabilities, this observation holds deep meaning. When we feel bare, stripped of energy or resources, the reminder that renewal is part of God’s design can be grounding and hopeful.

For professionals who work with people with disabilities and families supporting loved ones, embracing this “seasonal” perspective offers a hopeful reminder: while struggles may be present, renewal is always possible.

Advent also encourages us to nurture our connections—with God, ourselves, and others. Reaching out to those who bring harmony into our lives is essential, especially during the holidays. Faith leaders, families, and self-advocates can all benefit from reconnecting with those who support them.

In care ministries and disability advocacy, building a community of support can be invaluable. Hope grows when we share our burdens with trusted individuals and lean on each other.

Finally, Advent encourages prayer as a central way to cultivate hope. Simple prayers, like —”Give us grace to cast away the works of darkness, and put on the armor of light”—invite us to seek God’s presence as our strength. For families of people with disabilities and faith leaders, prayer offers a space to express our desires and fears, finding reassurance in God’s constant love.

In praying together and for one another, faith leaders and advocates create a supportive environment where everyone can feel encouraged. It’s in this community of faith that hope flourishes, not just for the future but for each day.

The Advent season teaches us that hope is not just for a distant tomorrow but is alive in each “in-between” moment. As we breathe, pray, and connect with others, we participate in a story of hope that God weaves throughout our lives. For individuals with disabilities, their families, and those who serve them, this season serves as a reminder that while the journey may be challenging, they are not alone. Hope is both a gift and a practice, a light that we carry and share, especially with those in need of encouragement and compassion.

As we move forward, may we embrace the Advent invitation to hope, finding strength and renewal in the presence of God and each other, knowing that, indeed, Emmanuel—God with us—remains our ultimate source of hope.