ADVENT IS A SEASON OF HOPE

ADVENT IS A SEASON OF HOPE!

Luke 1:52-54

52 He hath put down the mighty from their seats, and exalted them of low degree.

53 He hath filled the hungry with good things; and the rich he hath sent empty away.

54 He hath holpen his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy;

This week, Christians begin a new four-week season of Advent. For most American Christians, Advent passes virtually unnoticed, as the celebration of "Christmas" as a secular and intensely commercial feast begins the day after Thanksgiving. Yet the time of Advent offers us an opportunity to dive deeply into a counter-cultural time of quiet reflection, a space of hopeful and patient waiting and discernment about how God's incarnation has meaning and is at work in our world today.

           Our Scripture, above, is a quote from the song of Mary which we call The Magnificat. She, pregnant with the Son of the Most High, sings out in inspired song regarding the hope of her people – and our hope. (See First Timothy 1:1).

           Hope for the believer is not some wispy, filmy wish for the impossible. It is founded upon the promises of a steadfast and loving God. “Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it.” 1 Thess 5:24

Creator of the stars of night,
Thy people’s everlasting light,
Jesu, Redeemer, save us all,
And hear Thy servants when they call.

Thou, grieving that the ancient curse
Should doom to death a universe,
Hast found the medicine, full of grace,
To save and heal a ruined race.

Dear Lord, fill us with hope and then fulfill our hope with your grace. AMEN