Advent & The Audacity of Hope

2022 has brought many out toward normalcy after a multiyear ordeal called a pandemic. Then, many more have gone through several life-altering events. Some have started life independently after completing the first chapter of their lives. Others have made a covenant relationship with their new husband or wife. Others have welcomed a new life into this world, and others have found the joy of living life beyond fear and reconnected with people face to face.

And yet, others have seen their homes become more solitary, and others have seen families move thousands of miles away. Others have experienced the painful sting of betrayal and the end of friendships. Many others have gone through the pain of losing people dear and near to their hearts, and others have seen their lives become a shadow of the lives once hoped for as 2022 started back on January first.

Regardless of where each reader lands on the spectrum of how 2022 has treated each of us, a robust connecting tissue connects us all. The acclaimed musical turned film Annie summarizes it best, "The sun will come out tomorrow; bet your bottom dollar that tomorrow, there will be light. Just thinking about tomorrow clears away the cobwebs and the sorrow." Hope keeps humanity going and compels us to look up and out rather than in and out.

Beyond Annie's soliloquy, for those that are centered on the saving power of Jesus Christ, this holiday and Christmas season brings to mind a sense of connection to generations past and to those yet to be because of the bold stance of hope we have in the Living God--Jesus Christ. Leading up to Christmas day, advent reminds us that we are not dealing with some purely emotional or mythical relief to our problems, circumstances, or everyday life. God meets us in the middle of our humanity and imperfect world to lead us in hope.

Psalm 126

When Yahweh are turned the captive ones of Zion,

We were like those who dream.

Then our mouth was filled with laughter

And our tongue with shouts of joy;

Then they said among the nations,

“Yahweh has done great things for them.”

Yahweh has done great things for us;

We are glad.

Restore our captivity, O Yahweh,

As the streams in the Negev.

Those who sow in tears shall reap with shouts of joy.

He who goes to and fro weeping, carrying his bag of seed,

Shall indeed come again with a shout of joy, carrying his sheaves with him

Legacy Standard Bible (Ps 126:1–6). (2022). Three Sixteen Publishing.

Hopelessness is present in higher numbers in the lives of those who are walking in darkness by choice or ignorance. For those called disciples of the Lord Jesus Christ, there is a steady and sure hope that we are not left alone as a child orphaned or destitute without someone to help. Our hope is secured because God has done fantastic and beautiful works. Take a quick tally of His wonderful and majestic deeds:

• He created the universe from nothing by the power of His words.

• He sustains all creation and every life form by His very existence.

• He fashions every life that was is and will be in the world.

• He provides for all animals and plants according to His will.

• He knows every human heart by name and knows its most profound desires.

• He extends grace and mercy every day to those who live in sin.

• He delivers those that trust and follow Him faithfully.

• He never changes and does not forsake any of those who surrender to Him.

Can you add to these examples of His unfailing love, mercy, and grace? Spend a few minutes considering how God gives you the opportunity to place your trust in Him every day. You will see at least three results from this exercise: One, you will see how God is sustaining you more than you perceive daily. Two, you will see that God's love and grace are heartwarming and reassuring. Three, your day will take on a different motif as you ponder how God gives you hope.

Dear friend, I pray that you will taste and see more than the holiday foods and desserts this Christmas season. I pray that the comfort and peace that comes from trusting and placing your hope in God, through His only begotten Son, Jesus Christ, can bring to the rest of your life.

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