The Second Sunday of Advent: Hope
I didn't hear a sermon today. Yes, I did go to church and it was wonderful! It was our Advent Pageant so the children and youth led us in worship through Bible readings, songs, and a poem that took us from Genesis to Revelation. I so appreciate thinking about the birth of Christ in light of the full story of redemption. It gives me hope.
Which I need.
So often, I can focus on what is wrong in the world and in my life and am tempted to feel discouraged. I wonder how God is working in situations and I fear that we humans have messed things up too much. But then I remember: "The light shines in the darkness and the darkness has not overcome it." These words from John 1:5 were read by a child today. They are words that inspire me to hope and believe in the power of God.
Hear the words of this Sunday's Epistle:
"May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope." Romans 15:13
I love this verse! It calls me to attend to the God of hope and offers me hope through His Spirit. I don't have to muster up hope, joy, or peace - they come from God. I don't have to have all the answers or even great strength or fortitude to "abound in hope". All I have to do is put my trust in God.
"But that's so hard!" a little voice inside my head complains. "Really?" I ask myself. Is it harder than believing everything is hopeless? Harder than believing God is not for us? Harder than believing the Word of God isn't true? Sure in the immediate sense it may feel more difficult to believe in God when my circumstances or emotions pull me to believe against God. But what about the long term? What is harder then - the road of hope or hopelessness? To me, the answer is clear. Choosing to put my trust in the Lord bears good fruit - including the hope of God.
This Advent Season, welcome the hope that comes from God. Believe that His light shines in your darkness. Exercise your faith by trusting that Jesus truly is the Saviour born to us in Bethlehem so long ago. I have no idea what you or those you love may be facing as you head into Christmas this year... I pray that you will know God's hope, joy, and peace as you walk through it with Him.
in Christ,
Tracy
Which I need.
So often, I can focus on what is wrong in the world and in my life and am tempted to feel discouraged. I wonder how God is working in situations and I fear that we humans have messed things up too much. But then I remember: "The light shines in the darkness and the darkness has not overcome it." These words from John 1:5 were read by a child today. They are words that inspire me to hope and believe in the power of God.
Hear the words of this Sunday's Epistle:
"May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope." Romans 15:13
I love this verse! It calls me to attend to the God of hope and offers me hope through His Spirit. I don't have to muster up hope, joy, or peace - they come from God. I don't have to have all the answers or even great strength or fortitude to "abound in hope". All I have to do is put my trust in God.
"But that's so hard!" a little voice inside my head complains. "Really?" I ask myself. Is it harder than believing everything is hopeless? Harder than believing God is not for us? Harder than believing the Word of God isn't true? Sure in the immediate sense it may feel more difficult to believe in God when my circumstances or emotions pull me to believe against God. But what about the long term? What is harder then - the road of hope or hopelessness? To me, the answer is clear. Choosing to put my trust in the Lord bears good fruit - including the hope of God.
This Advent Season, welcome the hope that comes from God. Believe that His light shines in your darkness. Exercise your faith by trusting that Jesus truly is the Saviour born to us in Bethlehem so long ago. I have no idea what you or those you love may be facing as you head into Christmas this year... I pray that you will know God's hope, joy, and peace as you walk through it with Him.
in Christ,
Tracy
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