Advent Week #1: HOPE
Dear church,
As we enter the season of Advent, a time of reflection and anticipation, we find ourselves lighting the first candle on our Advent wreath on Sunday, symbolizing the theme of hope (thank you Jesica for helping us with this on Sunday morning). Just as a single spark can illuminate the darkest room, hope is the flicker of light that guides us through the challenges of life. On Sunday, Hannah and Tharren Dickson helped us unpack this week’s theme. In Jeremiah, we read,
"For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope" Jeremiah 29:11 NLT
This verse encapsulates the essence of the hope we celebrate during Advent. Hope isn’t like closing our eyes and making a wish when it’s our birthday. Hope is more than wishful thinking; it's a confident expectation rooted in the promises of God. In times of uncertainty and adversity, the prophets of old held closely to the hope of a promised Messiah. For generations and generations, they waited for their promised Messiah. Similarly, we embark on this Advent journey with hearts filled with hope, knowing that God's plans for us are good. Just like the dawn follows the darkest hour of the night, hope assures us that, in God's perfect timing, a brighter future awaits. It may not always feel like the future is bright, so we hold on to the promises while we wait.
The Advent season challenges us to be like the prophets, patiently awaiting the fulfillment of God's promises. It's a time to reflect on the hope that transcends our circumstances, a hope anchored in the love and faithfulness of God. When the world feels uncertain, and challenges seem insurmountable, the light of hope reminds us that God is in control, working all things for our good. In our daily lives, hope becomes a lighthouse that shines onto our path. It's the assurance that, no matter how difficult the journey may be, God walks alongside us, guiding our steps. This hope isn't passive; it's a call to action, an invitation to trust in God's faithfulness and actively anticipate the fulfillment of His promises.
Our challenge during this Advent season, as we seek to unwrap Christmas, is to take a moment each day to fan the flame of hope within your heart. Set aside some time and reflect on the promises of God found in Scripture and allow them to infuse your spirit with courage and optimism. Just as the prophets' hope was fulfilled in the birth of Jesus, our hope finds fulfillment in His redemptive work and the promise of eternal life.
I love you, church.
~ Daniel
(in next week’s issue of ‘Dear church’ we will unpack the second advent candle’s theme, PEACE. )
