Hungry For Hope

As I unlocked the church to lead a Bible study, I felt well aware that it was dark and I was alone. As I walked past the gym, among all the darkness, was a beautifully lit stage. It looked like a winter wonderland. I thought how appropriate that such beautiful light would shine in the darkness. I was also reminded that I was not alone. That Light changed my whole perspective. I thought about how appropriate this is for Advent. I time to remember the light and anticipate Light! Luke 1: 37, “For no word from God will ever fail.” As my pastor says this is the verse that gets us through! We have hope of the Christ child and hope of Christ coming again!

As I unlocked the church to lead a Bible study, I felt well aware that it was dark and I was alone. As I walked past the gym, among all the darkness, was a beautifully lit stage. It looked like a winter wonderland. I thought how appropriate that such beautiful light would shine in the darkness. I was also reminded that I was not alone. That Light changed my whole perspective. I thought about how appropriate this is for Advent. I time to remember the light and anticipate 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!

The first week of 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.

Over 2000 years ago, God sent Jesus down to become a human being. John 1: 14, “The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.” 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.

We saw this hope being shared as we celebrated the season of Advent with Madison and Cecil lighting our first candle. The candle of hope. They have been attending PVUMC over a year and said it has been such a blessing to them. It is not only their church and place of worship but a place they call home. From day one they felt like family because everyone was so welcoming. They love the chance for community involvement and able to serve the Lord through giving back to the community.

The only certain hope that we have is the hope in Jesus Christ. Christ has died, Christ has risen and Christ will come again! As children of God we will spend all eternity in the presence of God. I like the way the song, “Christ The Solid Rock I Stand,” says it. “My hope is built on nothing less Than Jesus' blood and righteousness. I dare not trust the sweetest frame But wholly lean on Jesus' name. On Christ, the solid rock, I stand, All other ground is sinking sand.”