Advent

Last year, I unlocked the church to lead a Bible study, it was dark and I knew I was alone.  As I walked past the gym, among all the darkness, was a beautifully lit stage.  It looked like a winter wonderland.  Such beautiful light shone in the darkness. I was reminded that I was not alone and my whole perspective changed.  This was so appropriate for Advent.  A time to remember the Light and anticipate the Light!  Luke 1: 37, “For no word from God will ever fail.”  As Pastor Tim said this is the verse that gets us through!  We have hope of the Christ child and hope of Christ coming again!

Advent reminds us of the hope we have in a Savior.  Isaiah 9: 6, “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.”  The second week focuses on preparation.  God is still working in our hearts to prepare us for Jesus’ second coming!  The third week we celebrate the coming of Jesus.  The final week celebrates God’s peace and love.  

Yesterday I was blessed to attend our Leland location and hear Pastor Sheena share her thoughts of hope during Advent.  She reminded us how little children are so excited on Christmas Eve with anticipation that they cannot go to sleep.  That is how we should be over Jesus coming again.  As Advent people, our anticipation does not stop in four weeks but we continue to anticipate our Savior’s arrival. 

Our hope brings expectation and we feel called to share that hope with other’s. The only certain hope that we have is the hope in Jesus Christ. Christ has died, Christ has risen and Christ will come again!