Advent is a season set apart for contemplation and celebration of the birth of Jesus. We will be looking at different aspects of this celebration each week before Christmas. Our desire is to help you prepare your heart and mind for this time of remembrance and to lure you away, for a brief moment, from the pace and distraction that often surrounds this season.
November 29th, The first Sunday of Advent
I know, it has really sneaked up on us. I can’t believe that Thanksgiving is tomorrow as I write this, then comes the first Sunday of Advent the beginning of the Christmas season. Yikes, I am feeling the pressure; maybe you are too.
The first week of Advent is a time to focus on Hope. Often it is illuminating to look at a dictionary to begin a talk about any subject.
Hope is defined as:
1. a feeling of expectation and desire for a certain thing to happen.
2. grounds for believing that something good may happen." He does see some hope for the future”
3. Archaic: a feeling of trust.
During week one, we contemplate the Thrill of Hope. It is more than thrilling to know our father wants to give us hope.
Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the plans that I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans for prosperity and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.
He knows it is an integral part of our faith, trust and reliance on Him.
Hebrews 11:1 Now faith is the certainty of things hoped for, a proof of things not seen.
If hope is not thrilling you today, remember that there is an enemy at hand trying to steal your joy and actively ruin a lot more than just Christmas for you. Resist that spirit and put your Hope in God.
This week, look to Him to replenish or multiply your hope.
Romans 15: Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you will abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
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