Hope

I hope the weather is nice.
I hope the package comes today.
I hope it snows. 
I hope . . . 

Fill in the blank.

We use the word hope regularly. We often express hope as if it were a wish. We wish this thing or that thing would happen. Traditionally, the theme for the first week of Advent is hope, but the hope we reflect on is much more than a wish!

It is the hope that sustained a nation, the hope that sustains us still today, and the hope that is forever.

Spend a few minutes today reading these verses and reflecting on the hope of Jesus. 

Isaiah 9:6-7 (NLT)
For a child is born to us,
a son is given to us.
The government will rest on his shoulders.
And he will be called:
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
His government and its peace will never end.
He will rule with fairness and justice 
from the throne of his ancestor David for all eternity.
The passionate commitment of the Lord of Heaven's Armies
will make this happen! 

Luke 2:28-32, 34-35 (NIV)
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 to your people Israel."

"This child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be spoken against, so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your own soul too."

Revelation 22:16-17 (NLT)
"I, Jesus, have sent my angel to give you this message for the churches. I am both the source of David and the heir to his throne. I am the bright morning star." The Spirit and the bride say, "Come." Let anyone who hears this say, "Come." Let anyone who is thirsty come. Let anyone who desires drink freely from the water of life.

JESUS IS OUR HOPE.

For thousands of years, the promise of a Messiah was passed from generation to generation. The longing for the savior who would be king, who would rescue and redeem, and who would be the hope of a nation carried the people through the darkest times.

Jesus's arrival changed the world, but it looked vastly different from what anyone could have imagined. He arrived like all other babies - small, covered in fluids, hungry, and longing for comfort. A much different image than that of a warrior king. This wasn't the image of salvation anyone could have imagined, and yet Simeon declares that in this baby he sees the hope, the salvation, of all people.

Each year, we pause and celebrate that first coming. We know so much more of the story than those who were waiting for Jesus all those years ago. And yet, we too find ourselves waiting, holding onto the hope of Jesus coming again. How long will it take?

WE LONG FOR HIS RETURN.

This week, as we light our first Advent candle, we see one small flicker of light in our homes, but around the globe, a multitude of tiny points of light flicker, all pointing to the hope of Jesus.

Light always shines brightest when we are not shining it alone.

During this season of Advent, may we unite our hearts as we anticipate the celebration of the first coming and wait in expectant hope for the second. 


~  Melissa