THE ADVENT – HOPE

Many Church denominations follow this tradition of Advent. There are many who do not follow such traditions. Advent, as intended by those who follow it, is an effort to prepare ourselves for the celebration of Christmas, in a meaningful manner. Those denominations that do not follow such traditions, have their own ways of preparation, as we approach Christmas.

The first Sunday in Advent is HOPE. Hope is such an amazing word. It holds in it, a promise of a better and bright future. It has in it, a sense of peace, comfort and joy – all because it sees the future, to be better, and good. Who wouldn’t desire for such a future? 

Humanly, such a future is impossible. One may have the desire, and may want it badly. However, the fallen human nature is marred so beyond any hope, that it is utterly incapable of any good. Therefore, the world we live in, is in a hopeless situation. Look at the world today, and we will see what hope it offers. The present day is supposed to be, the best of all human efforts and endeavours. Yet, there is, if we care to see, death destruction, hunger and poverty. But for that, can we see anything else? This is the best we humans could achieve on our own.
– “The optimists among us who believe in the inevitable progress of man, either forget or ignore the fact that the twentieth century was the bloodiest, most destructive century in human history. The century’s two world wars resulted in the deaths of at least 60 million people. The Russian Civil War of 1917-21 killed another 5-6 million. Between them, the tyrannical regimes of Hitler, Stalin, and Mao killed at least another 60 million of their own citizens. Many millions more were killed in dozens of other, smaller conflicts.” – Francis P. Sempa, in his article, “The Bloodiest Century” 

The Holman Bible Dictionary, defines Christian hope in following words.
– “Trustful expectation, particularly with reference to the fulfilment of God’s promises. Biblical hope is the anticipation of a favourable outcome under God’s guidance. More specifically, hope is the confidence that what God has done for us in the past guarantees our participation in what God will do in the future.”

The HOPE that the Bible offers us, in and through the LORD Jesus Christ of Nazareth, is unique, and one of its kind. Let us see a couple of verses about the hope, that God of the Bible offers, the fallen and lost mankind.
– “2 The people who walked in darkness Have seen a great light; Those who dwelt in the land of the shadow of death, Upon them a light has shined.” – Isaiah 9:2
– ’22…For there is no difference; 23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, 24 being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, 25 whom God set forth as a propitiation by His blood, through faith, to demonstrate His righteousness, because in His forbearance God had passed over the sins that were previously committed, 26 to demonstrate at the present time His righteousness, that He might be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus.” – Romans 3:22b-26
– “23 For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” – Romans 6:23

The hope that is found in Jesus, the eternal life that is offered, by God, to the undesrving and lost sinners is, unmatched by anything else, the world can offer. 
– “13 May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” – Romans 15:13

The hymns and songs we sing on hope, describes it very well, to give us, a sense its meaning, and its depth.
– GREAT IS THY FAITHFULNESS: “Strength for today, And bright hope for tomorrow. Blessings all mine, With ten thousand beside.”
– IN CHRIST ALONE: “In Christ alone my hope is found. He is my light my strength my song. This Cornerstone, this solid Ground, Firm through the fiercest drought and storm.”

Timothy Keller’s thoughts on Christian hope, and what our future holds for us, because of this hope, found only in Christ, is worth reading.
– “Our Christian hope is that we are going to live with Christ in a new earth, where there is not only no more death, but where life is what it was always meant to be.”

Dear brothers and sisters, don’t look at what is happening, in and around you. It may not be so great. It may be troubling and disturbing. Lose not hope dear friend. The LORD hasn’t left us hopeless. He came seeking for us, and has paid the price for our rescue, redemption and restoration. He will carry forward, what He has started. Hope thou in the LORD’s mercy and grace, and trust Him. The LORD will take care of everything.