Advent Week One: Hope

This Sunday marks the first Sunday of Advent. Traditionally, this is the Sunday of Hope, of looking forward towards the promise of the Messiah. It is a time of anticipation, of believing and trusting that what God promises is true and will come to pass. Hope is a sign of faith, it’s a sign of belief.

It’s not always easy to be hopeful, especially when it looks as if things are impossible. Abraham, the man God promised to make into a great nation, whose offspring would be more numerous than the sands on the beach or the stars in the sky, suffered through decades waiting on the Lord. God promised him an heir, a son to carry on the family name, but he and his wife were childless, and they were old. And yet still God promised it would come true. Read for yourself the story in Genesis 15-18, 21, and as you do keep in mind that over 25 years elapses from chapter 15 to 21 — that’s a long time to wait patiently and hopefully.

What are you waiting and praying for? How are you hoping that God will act or come through for you, or for someone you love? Is it easy being patient? This advent season, I hope that you’ll be reminded that God is in control, that He knows the beginning from the end (and all points in between), that His plan will come to pass, and that ultimately He knows what is best. Let us wait patiently and expectantly for our God and our King.

Pastor Mike