First Week of Advent

 





This week we began lighting our Advent candles.  Advent is the four weeks before Christmas that represents the spiritual preparation for the celebration of the birth of our Lord, Jesus Christ.  


Our theme this first week is “HOPE.”  We wait in anticipation for something to happen.  It is an expectation.


When we were children we “hoped” we would get the gift we wanted for Christmas.  We asked, and then we waited in excited expectation. Sometime we got what we hoped for, sometimes we were disappointed.


Biblical hope is based on God’s faithfulness in the past.  Because we can see how He has kept his promises, our hope does not rely on our current circumstances.  Psalm 130:5 NLT “I am counting on the Lord; yes, I am counting on Him.  I have put my hope in His word.”  Psalms 39: 7 TPT “And now, God, I’m left with one conclusion:  my only hope is to hope in you alone!”


Do we hope for changes in our lives?  Do we pray and then wait with anticipation?  Or are we tempted to look at our circumstances and think, “there is no way this will change or end.”  Romans 12:12 NLT “Rejoice in our confident hope, be patient in trouble, and keep on praying”


We have a choice.  We can look to the Risen Jesus and look forward with hope.  We can and should wait for God to bring about our future.  

Psalms 31:24 NLT “So be strong and courageous, all you who put your hope in the Lord!” 

Psalms 62:5 NLT “ Let all that I am wait quietly before God, for my hope is in Him.”


My prayer is that we can stay focused on Jesus and the gift of salvation that He brings to our world during this Christmas season.


And again, Isaiah says, “The Root of Jesse will spring up, one who will arise to rule over the nations; the Gentiles will hope in Him.”  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:” Romans 15:12-13 NIV


Stay well, Stay safe

Blessings and Love

❤️ Sharon

 






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