Hope and Advent

This Sunday marks the beginning of Advent. And during Advent, hope is a central message for Christians. This hope is grounded in the promise of Jesus’ first coming and His future return to make all things new. This hope is not a fragile optimism but a deep-rooted trust in God’s character and promises, even amidst challenges and difficulties. It means waiting with patient expectation and actively preparing for His return. And we find strength to persevere and live a life that follows Christ knowing that in Him there is victory over sin and death. And that is certain! As we enter the season of Advent, may we reflect on God’s promises. Here are a few verses to meditate on.  

Isaiah 40:31 – “But those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint” (NIV). Hope in the Lord means renewing your strength and not growing weary.  

Romans 15:13 – “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit” (NIV). As you trust in Him, the God of hope gives you hope, and not just hope, but joy and peace. And all of this by the power of the Spirit.  

John 14:2-3 – “My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am” (NIV). Jesus promises to return and take you to be with Him where He is.  

So, brothers and sisters, let us practice active hope. Let us wait with patient expectation. Hope in God means more than just waiting; it is a forward-looking anticipation of God’s promises being fulfilled. Persevere through darkness. Advent hope is not about ignoring the darkness but about trusting that God’s light will ultimately triumph over it. And let’s live out this hope. Hope empowers us to act justly and serve others, reflecting the restoration that will come through Jesus.  

May Psalm 130:5-8 (NIV) encourage us today: 

“I wait for the LORD, my whole being waits, and in His word I put my hope. I wait for the Lord more than watchmen wait for the morning, more than watchmen wait for the morning. Israel, put your hope in the LORD, for with the LORD is unfailing love and with Him is full redemption. He Himself will redeem Israel from all their sins.” 

Amen! Come, Lord Jesus! May the grace of the Lord Jesus, who is our hope, be with you all! 

Blessings,  

 Pastor Tim