The first weeks of December can feel scrambled as we prepare for family gatherings while also maintaining all our other responsibilities. It is the first Sunday of Advent. As a child, this was always one of my favorite parts of the Christmas season, but somewhere in my adulthood, I’ve allowed busyness to get in the way. This year, I’ve decided to be more intentional with my time this Holiday season, preparing my heart for Christmas and dedicating my Sundays to taking a breath and participating in Advent.
Today’s candle is Hope.
When we delve into the meaning of hope, it is the expectation of a future outcome. Before Jesus’ birth, the world was dark. Isaiah 9:2–7 foretells the coming of Jesus, the promised Messiah. In these verses, the Israelite’s are pictured as waiting in hope—longing for light to break into their darkness.
Today, the world is still dark and divisive. Life is hard, and it’s natural to lose hope. Yet we can have hope because of Jesus, and we are called to be a people of hope. Despite our circumstances—even if we’re clinging by the tips of our fingers—we are invited to hold onto hope and allow Christ to hold onto us. Our hope becomes a light to others.
Human hope concentrates on our desired result or places our hope into fragile, temporary things. A believer’s hope is different: no matter the circumstances, even if the ending is not what we wanted, we still have hope in Christ and his purpose for our lives. As the hymn beautifully declares, “In Christ alone, my hope is found.” * Our hope is not grounded in what is fleeting but in the one who is forever, faithful, and near.
We can rest in hope because Jesus is love- and will be with us every step of the way, even in the darkest night. We hope for the day we will be united with Christ and for his return. Hope transforms us and helps us to endure; without hope, we become lost. It’s not wishful thinking. God’s desire is for us to overflow with hope.
Romans 15:13 says, “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.”
Take a moment this Advent Sunday to breathe and rest in the hope of Jesus. Play a Christmas hymn. Read scripture and reflect on your hopes, and think of all the times God has brought you through hardships. Picture him sitting with you in this moment. Rest in his hope.
As we end, I will leave you with some scripture passages to meditate on throughout the week:
Suggested Scripture Readings:
- Isaiah 9:2–7
- Romans 13:11–14
- Romans 15:13
- Matthew 24:36–44
Holding onto hope with you,
Chrissy Rose
* In Christ Alone, Keith Getty & Stuart Townend (2001). Used for devotional commentary.
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