It seems fitting to me that the first week of advent is a reflection on the theme of Hope. If you aren’t sure what advent is, it is a period of four weeks before Christmas when Christians prepare for the coming of Christ. Each week has a theme to ponder in anticipation of the celebration of Jesus’ birth on Christmas Day.
Often when I think about hope I think of longing and wanting, but you know that this first week of advent is really about confidence in God’s promises. It’s not a wish. It’s a knowing.
Romans 5:5 – And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love.
The first week of Hope reminds us of the assurance we have that God will fulfill all his promises through the birth of Jesus. You may often see a candle being lit for the first week of advent. This candle is also called a Prophet’s Candle or Prophecy Candle. It symbolizes all the prophesies that were fulfilled with the birth of Jesus.
I get wrapped up sometimes in the junk of this world. I’m sure you do too. It can be really easy to simply forget that this isn’t it. This isn’t heaven. This isn’t perfect. The world is filled with darkness and hardship, BUT….Jesus comes. He has come. He will come.
Don’t get pulled into the busyness of the season, but rather take the time to be fully present. Something significant is about to happen. The best is yet to come.
Maybe you feel afraid today or uncertain. Maybe you just feel empty, alone, or scared. I encourage you to ask God to rekindle your hope today! If you are having trouble with a prayer, let this song be a prayer for your heart today.
Oh, He is the song for the suffering
He is Messiah, the Prince of Peace has come
He has come, Emmanuel
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