Advent Week 1: Hope - "Hope in the Coming Light"
Dear friends, in this season of Advent, our hearts resonate with the theme of hope. As we commence this journey, and delve into the profound hope found in the coming light of Christ.
We begin by: Acknowledging the Darkness:
There is a great truth to be found in John 1:5 (NLT) - "The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness can never extinguish it."
Our world often appears shrouded in darkness — the darkness of despair, doubt, and uncertainty.
Yet, the promise resounds: the light of Christ pierces through the deepest darkness.
As the Psalmist wisely stated in Psalm 27:1 (NLT) - "The Lord is my light and my salvation—so why should I be afraid? The Lord is my fortress, protecting me from danger, so why should I tremble?"
When we know Jesus as our Lord and Saviour, even if we are encountering the darkest moments of life, the truth is that Christ's light is not just a mere flicker; it is an unwavering flame that can dispel every shadow.
The Promise of Light:
Malachi 4:2 (NLT) - "But for you who fear my name, the Sun of Righteousness will rise with healing in his wings."
Jewish tradition states that the book of Malachi was actually written by the prophet Ezra. Malachi has frequently been understood as a proper name, although its Hebrew meaning is simply "My Messenger" or “His Messenger”
In this prophecy, we find the promise of a great light. This light, foretold centuries before Christ's birth, is the Sun of Righteousness, bringing healing and dispelling the shadows.
Illustration: Consider a sunrise after a long night. The first rays of light not only dispel darkness but bring warmth and hope. So, too, does the light of Christ.
The Son of Righteousness not only dispels darkness but brings healing, just as the dawn not only ends the night but ushers in a new day of hope.
Hope in Christ's Arrival:
Romans 15:13 (NLT) - "I pray that God, the source of hope, will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in Him."
As we anticipate the celebration of Christ's birth, we are reminded that our hope is not in fleeting circumstances but in the unwavering promises of God.
As Max Lucado beautifully puts it, “Hope is not what you expect; it is what you would never dream. It is a wild, improbable tale with a pinch-me-I'm-dreaming ending." - Max Lucado
The first Sunday of Advent is traditionally when the first Advent candle is lit to embody the hope we have in Christ — the light that guides us through life's darkest moments.
The Light Within Us:
Matthew 5:14-16 (NLT) "You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father."
The hope we find in the coming light of Christ is not just external but internal. As believers, we carry this light within us, and it's our responsibility to let it shine.
D.L. Moody challenges us with these words, "We are told to let our light shine, and if it does, we won't need to tell anybody it does. Lighthouses don't fire cannons to call attention to their shining—they just shine."
Navigating the Shadows:
Psalm 23:4 (NLT) "Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me. Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me."
Life's journey often takes us through valleys of shadows. The hope in Christ's light is not the absence of shadows but the assurance of His constant presence, guiding and comforting us.
Picture a lantern in the hand of a guide leading a group through a dark forest. Christ's light is our guide, providing comfort and protection even in the midst of life's uncertainties.
A Call to Adventurous Hope:
Hebrews 6:19 (NLT) "This hope is a strong and trustworthy anchor for our souls. It leads us through the curtain into God’s inner sanctuary."
Our hope in the coming light is not timid or passive; it's adventurous and strong. It's an anchor that holds firm in the storms of life, leading us into the very presence of God.
J.R.R. Tolkien's words echo a sense of adventurous hope, "The greatest adventure is what lies ahead."
Radiating Hope in Actions:
1 Peter 3:15 (NLT) "Instead, you must worship Christ as Lord of your life. And if someone asks about your hope as a believer, always be ready to explain it."
Our hope is not just a personal experience but a beacon that others should notice. As we celebrate Advent, let our actions radiate the hope within us, prompting others to inquire about the source.
Illustration: Imagine a lighthouse not only providing guidance to ships but also drawing the attention of those on the shore. Our lives should be lighthouses of hope.
Christ is the light that burns bright in even the darkest circumstances and situations of our life.
Jesus is more than just a hope we receive but He is the hope we must share with others.
Our hope in Christ must not be selfish we must share it to illuminate the paths of others.
Conclusion:
May the hope found in the coming light of Christ not be confined to our hearts but spill over into our actions.
As we navigate the complexities of life, let the light within us guide and comfort us. And as others witness the radiance of our hope, may they be drawn to the source of this unwavering light—Jesus Christ.
As we continue this Advent journey, let our hope be not just an internal flame but a shining beacon, proclaiming the transformative power of the light that has come into the world.
A brief word of prayer to close:
Heavenly Father
May the hope found in the coming light of Christ illuminate our lives, dispelling all darkness with the assurance of your wonderful promises.
Dear Lord, as we journey through Advent, let this hope kindle a flame within us, burning brightly in anticipation of the fulfilment of your redemptive plan.
Help us to share the real message of Advent and Christmas with those around us. In your love help us to share the wonderful truth that Jesus is the light of the World.
Amen
May Jesus illuminate your way and may you share His light and love with someone today.
God bless, bye for now.
