This Sunday kicks off the season of Advent, a time that represents the expectation and celebration of our Savior Jesus Christ. One of the traditions we have at our church is the lighting of the Advent candles. The first candle we will light this week represents the Hope we have in Jesus.
Isaiah foretold of this hope hundreds of years before Jesus arrived on this earth. Listen to what he prophesied in Isaiah 9:2 & 6: “The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness, a light has dawned… For to us, a child is born, to us, a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”
In the midst of darkness and uncertainty, Isaiah shared of the arrival of a great light—a light that would dispel the shadows of darkness and bring hope to a weary world. As we light the first Advent candle this week, we are reminded that our hope is not in fleeting circumstances but in the promise of a Savior who has brought everlasting light and peace.
Imagine a clear, starlit night—each star is a beacon of hope in the vast darkness. The Wise Men, guided by the extraordinary Star of Bethlehem, followed its light with anticipation. In the same way, we follow the light of Jesus, our guiding star, as we journey through this season, trusting in Him and the hope He brings.
Our hope is not wishful thinking but grounded in the one, true God who brought hope to all as He sent His Son to this earth. And now, through the power of the Holy Spirit, we are filled with joy and peace as we place our trust in Him. As we enter this Advent season, let us be vessels overflowing with hope, radiating the light of Jesus in a world that is always looking for a glimpse of something greater.
And, if hope is something that is hard for you to access in this season, whether because of difficult circumstances or for reasons you can’t quite pinpoint, seek the source. Jesus is our hope. And He wants us to invite Him into every part of our lives so that we can live with hope. He will bring hope if we just tell Him our need.
And a little hope goes a long way. Consider a flickering candle in a dark room. Though small, its light pierces the darkness. Likewise, our hope, though sometimes feeble, has the power to illuminate the lives of those around us. As we share the hope found in Christ, our collective light grows, dispelling darkness and drawing others toward the warmth of His love.
In the glow of the Advent candles, we find a tangible representation of the hope that Christ brings. As we journey through this season, may we be reminded that our hope is not just for a day or a season but is anchored in the eternal promise of a Savior who brings light to our dark world.
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