Advent – Hope
In the Season of Advent, believers across the globe enter into the story of scripture by practicing hope. This Advent hope is not sentimentality, or optimistic expectations, but a willingness to cling to the faithfulness of God through everything in life.
Advent
Advent consists of the four Sundays preceding Christmas Day in which the Church anticipates the future arrival of Christ by remembering His first arrival.
Although it may seem counter to the festivities of Christmas, it is important to practice waiting.
And in our waiting we focus on the themes of hope, peace, joy, and love along with the rest of the global church
“Patience sets a good example for others, aids in decision-making, increases success, and even helps you see waiting as a positive thing” - Sarah Landrum, Forbes
Poems must be approached slowly, paying attention to detail and imagery to capture the author’s full intent.
“Hope commits us to actions that connect with God’s promises. What we call hoping is often only wishing. We want things we think are impossible, but we have better sense than to spend any money or commit our lives to them. Biblical hope, though, is an act—like buying a field in Anathoth. Hope acts on the conviction that God will complete the work that he has begun even when the appearances, especially when the appearances, oppose it.” ― Eugene H. Peterson
Hope is holding the tension of doubt, trust, and faith all together.
Hope is not the outcome but the waiting.
“Christian hope is a BOLD choice to wait for God to bring about a future that is as surprising as a crucified man rising from the dead” - Bible Project
Hope is found not just at the end of the positive outcomes or even in the outcomes I envision.
Hope is in the Jesus I find in the valley waiting with me, and in the curious unexpected outcomes.
Hope is in the Jesus I have holding my weary soul in the waiting and on the other side, win or lose, no matter my perception of the outcome.
Advent is a time when we get to remember what we are waiting on. We remember why we have hope and who our hope is in.
What has increased/decreased my hope in Jesus today?
What promises am I waiting on Jesus to answer right now?