Advent: Hope

"At its heart, the concept is simple--Jesus trusted His Father. He didn't doubt God's goodness, His control of the situation, or the fact that His plan would lead to everlasting glory. That's what Jesus is asking you to do too. Trust God, even in this." -- The Healer

 

Advent season begins with the "hope" candle. Before Christ was born, the people looked forward (hoped) to that event. They were waiting for a coming Messiah. They were waiting for deliverance. Ultimately, Christ's coming as a baby brought everlasting hope, peace, joy, and love because His coming signified the fulfillment of a long awaited promise.

 

"Now there was a man in Jerusalem called Simeon, who was righteous and devout. He was waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was on him. It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen the Lord’s Messiah. Moved by the Spirit, he went into the temple courts. When the parents brought in the child Jesus to do for him what the custom of the Law required, Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying: “Sovereign Lord, as you have promised, you may now dismiss your servant in peace. For my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the sight of all nations: a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and the glory of your people Israel.” -- Luke 2: 25-32


Simeon hoped for the coming Messiah. Once he witnessed what he was promised, he was at peace. Lately, I have experienced a lack of peace in my life. When Thanksgiving Break, I was trying to figure out a new way to embrace peace and hope. I came to the realization that even though I don't understand everything--even though I don't understand most things--I have hope because I know the truth about God. In 2 Corinthians 3:12 it says, "Since we have such a hope, we are very bold" (ESV). The hope I have in God should be my strength each day. I should be bold in living life because I have a hope in God.

I found this prayer connected the first advent candle and I liked it: “Lord, the light I choose to let into my life today is based on my trust in you.  It is a weak flame, but I so much desire that it dispel a bit more darkness today.  Today, I just want to taste the longing I have for you as I go to the meeting this morning, carry out the responsibilities of my work, face the frustration of some difficult relationships.  Let this candle be my reminder today of my hope in your coming.” Christ's coming signified the ultimate defeat of sin and darkness. Whatever I face that may try to steal my hope has no power because Christ came to give the world eternal hope!