Romans 15:13 (NIV):"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."
The focus for this year's Advent series is the emotions we all experience from time to time. Thank you for joining me on this journey a journey of wonder, of expectation, of waiting.
The season of Advent begins with the flicker of hope, a reminder that even in the darkest times, there is a promise of light. Hope is not simply wishful thinking—it is the steady assurance that something good is on the horizon. This is where, in my opnion, hope and optimism part ways. Optism says: "Things are going well now...if they continue on this good trajectory, tomorrow will be a good day". Hope, on the other hand whispers: "Things may be bleak, burdensome and bewildering today, but tomorrow will be a better day".
Hope does not need a guarantee that things will be OK. A whispered promise from the heart of Father God is enough.
For Mary and Joseph, hope must have been the anchor that kept them moving forward, despite the uncertainty of their journey (Matthew 1:18-23). Mary could not understand her calling at first (Luke 1:34); neither could Joseph (Matthew 1:19). However, what they had was a promise from Heaven - a promise that what they were being called to do was to step up and out in faith and hope, and be part of God's redemptive plan for a world in brokenness and hopelessness.
In our own lives, hope can be hard to hold onto, especially in seasons of hardship. When circumstances are crushing or situations strength-sapping, hope might feel distant or unattainable. Yet, the irony is this - that very thing that seems so distant, is the only thing at times that we have to hold onto. It's our anchor in the seasons of storm - our foundation in the times of fear. It reminds us that change is possible, that healing can come, and that we are never truly alone.
As we step into this season of Advent, we are invited to pause and ask ourselves: What am I hoping for? This isn't about material desires or fleeting resolutions but about the deeper longings of our hearts—the hope for peace, restoration, or a renewed sense of purpose. All this and more made possible and tangible through our Living Hope - the Hope to whom everything pointsT
his season - Jesus Christ!
Mental Health Moment
From a mental health perspective, nurturing hope can be transformative. Research shows that even a small glimmer of hope can reduce feelings of helplessness and motivate positive action. When life feels overwhelming, break down your hopes into small, actionable steps. This process makes hope tangible and keeps you moving forward, one small step at a time.
Reflection
What is one area of your life where you long to see hope restored?
How can you take a small step toward that hope today?
Prayer
Lord, as I begin this Advent journey, renew in me the gift of hope. Help me to trust in Your promises, even when the path is unclear. Let Your light shine in the darkness of my heart and guide me toward peace.
Amen.
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