HOPE: The First Sunday of Advent

The four Sundays before Christmas are called Advent. 

 It is like a count down to our celebration of the birth of Christ.  

 Each Advent Sunday has a "theme" and today,

 the first Advent Sunday the theme is 

 This I call to mind and therefore I have hope: 

Because of the Lord's great love we are not consumed, 

for his compassions never fail. 

Lamentations 3:21-22

In early history God showed Himself to His people,  

 He led them from captivity in Egypt to a new land He promised would be theirs.  

He raised up leaders to guide them, prophets to teach them.  

But His people still didn't seem to get it.  

Then in His divine wisdom, 

God assumed flesh 

and came to live among us

 in the form of the Son, 

Jesus Christ.    

God taught us by example,

 He taught us about love---love for Him, love for others.  

And ultimately He came to live among us to give us Hope.

When we are at our lowest, most down and out----God gives us Hope.  

When we are distraught, consumed with sadness---God gives us  Hope.

When we doubt, no knowing where to turn---God gives us Hope.

The Birth of Jesus reminds us of that Hope.  

Through Jesus we are shown the way to eternal life. 

We are shown that we are never alone, 

for He is always with us, 

guiding us 

and giving us 

Hope.

 May the God of hope

 fill you with all joy and peace 

as you trust in Him, 

so that you may overflow 

with hope by the 

power of the Holy Spirit. 

 Romans 15:13