Finding Hope in Advent and Beyond
Are you desperately waiting for that one thing that will make everything better? Maybe it's a job offer, a relationship, or even the perfect Christmas gift. As we enter the season of Advent, we encounter a different kind of waiting – one that offers real, lasting hope.
The Anticipation of Advent
Advent is the a time when Christians around the world prepare their hearts for Christmas. But Advent isn't just about counting down to December 25th. It's a season that reminds us of a deeper hope – the hope found in God's arrival in human history.
You might be wondering, "Why start the Christian year with waiting instead of celebrating?" Well, our ancestors in faith knew something we often forget: to fully appreciate the majesty of Jesus' birth, we need to experience a taste of Israel's centuries of hopeful waiting for their Messiah.
Hope in God's Arrival
Where do we find hope in a world that often seems hopeless? In Luke 21:28, Jesus gives us a surprising answer:
"When these things begin to take place, stand up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near."
Jesus is talking about some pretty intense events here – wars, natural disasters, and cosmic signs. But his message isn't one of fear. Instead, he's telling us that these things are actually signs of hope! Why? Because they signal that God is about to show up in a big way.
The Promise of Righteousness and Restoration
When God arrives on the scene, he brings righteousness and restoration. Think about it – Jesus' first arrival as a baby in Bethlehem was just the beginning. He established his kingdom, not through political power, but by conquering sin and death through his resurrection.
And here's the incredible part – we're still living in that story. As we wait for Jesus to return and make all things new, we can have hope knowing that the work he began is still unfolding.
Waiting with Faithful Expectation
Waiting isn't easy. The Bible is full of stories of people waiting – 400 years in Egyptian slavery, 40 years wandering in the wilderness, 70 years in Babylonian exile. Even creation itself is waiting, as Paul writes in Romans 8:22-23:
"We know that all creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time. And we believers also groan, even though we have the Holy Spirit within us as a foretaste of future glory..."
If you're in a season of waiting, you're in good company. The key is to wait with faithful expectation, knowing that what God has promised is far better than anything this world can offer.
Living as Faithful Witnesses
So how do we live in this "already but not yet" time? Peter gives us some practical advice in 1 Peter 1:13-15:
"Therefore, with minds that are alert and fully sober, set your hope on the grace to be brought to you when Jesus Christ is revealed at his coming. As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance. But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do..."
We're called to live differently, to be "set apart" in a way that points others to the hope we have in Jesus.
Putting It Into Practice
As we enter the Advent season, here are some ways to cultivate hope in your daily life:
Take time each day to reflect on God's faithfulness in history and in your own life.
Look for signs of God's kingdom breaking through in the world around you.
Practice "holy living" by choosing to act in ways that reflect God's character.
Share the hope you have with others, especially those who might be struggling.
Remember, as Bernard of Clairvaux said, Christ comes to us in three ways: in Bethlehem at Christmas, at the end of the age, and in the lives of believers every single day. This Advent, may you experience the arrival of Jesus in all three of these ways, and may your hope increase as you wait faithfully for His return.
Reflection:
1. Where have you been placing your hope lately? In what ways might you be relying on worldly things rather than God?
2. How does the promise of Jesus' return and the restoration of all things impact your perspective on current challenges?
3. In what areas of your life do you need to cultivate more "faithful expectation" as you wait on God?
4. How can you be a more effective witness to the hope you have in Christ during this Advent season?
Application:
Choose one practical way to shift your focus toward hopeful anticipation of Christ's coming this week. This could be through daily Scripture reading, serving others, or intentionally sharing your faith with someone. Commit to this practice as a way of preparing your heart and living as a faithful witness.
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank you for the hope we have in Jesus. As we enter this Advent season, help us to wait with faithful expectation for your arrival. Strengthen our hearts to live as holy witnesses to your kingdom. May we not grow weary in doing good, but persevere in hope, knowing that you will fulfill all your promises. In Jesus' name, Amen.
