Title: The Hope That Holds Us
Text: We wait in hope for the LORD; he is our help and our shield.” — Psalm 33:20
The first candle of Advent is the Candle of Hope—a small flame that speaks into the long darkness of a weary world. Hope does not deny reality; it defies it. It does not ignore the brokenness around us; it simply believes God is greater than the brokenness.
Israel waited for centuries for the Messiah, clinging to God’s promises when circumstances seemed to say otherwise. Their hope was not optimism. It wasn’t wishful thinking. It was confidence that God would do exactly what He said He would do.
And in the fullness of time, Hope Himself stepped into the world—Jesus, the Light that darkness could not overcome.
I. Advent Reminds Us That God Still Steps Into the Darkness Today.
1. Where hope seems thin, Christ whispers, “I am still Emmanuel—God with you.”
The Pianist in the Bomb Shelter
During World War II, as bombs rained down over London, hundreds of people crowded each night into underground subway tunnels seeking safety. Fear was thick in the air. Children cried. Adults trembled. Hope felt almost impossible.
One night, as explosions shook the walls of a crowded station, an elderly woman noticed a man quietly carrying a small, battered suitcase. Without saying a word, he opened it—and pulled out a portable, folding keyboard.
The noise of war echoed above them, but he began to play softly—first a simple hymn, then another. Slowly, the crying stopped. The fear softened. People began to hum. Some even sang.
And someone later said, “When we heard that music, it felt like the war paused. For a moment, we remembered there was still beauty in the world—still something worth hoping for.”
Hope didn’t change the circumstances. Bombs were still falling. The danger was still real.
But hope reminded them that the darkness doesn’t get the final say.
In the same way, when life feels like a battlefield and hope seems lost, God plays a quiet melody into the deepest shelter of our souls—a hymn of His presence, His promises, and His unshakable love.
Hope doesn’t always remove the storm.
But it does remind us that God is with us in it.
2. Where fear grows, Christ says, “Take heart; I have overcome the world.”
"No matter the darkness we face, Christ has overcome the world; His victory is ours to claim and His peace is ours to receive."
“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” — John 16:33 (NIV)
3. Where waiting feels endless, Christ assures, “My timing is perfect.”
A young boy was once caught in a sudden storm while sailing a small boat on a lake. The wind whipped the waves high, and panic began to set in. His father, watching from the shore, signaled for him to stay calm and hold on. The boy struggled against the waves, thinking the rescue would never come.
Then, just as the boat seemed about to capsize, his father appeared in a motorboat—arriving at exactly the right moment to save him. The boy later admitted that he didn’t see the rescue coming and thought he was doomed—but it arrived in perfect timing.
In life, we often feel like that boy—struggling, scared, thinking God is late. But God’s timing is never early and never late. Ecclesiastes 3:1 reminds us: “There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens.”
Jesus’ birth, death, and resurrection each happened at the perfect moment in God’s plan. And just like the boy in the storm, when we trust Him, God arrives at just the right time to bring rescue, provision, or breakthrough—even when we can’t see it coming.
II. Hope is not passive. Hope is a posture.
1. It is choosing to believe that God is working even when we cannot see it.
Here are three ways God works in us even when we can’t see it:
• He Shapes Our Character Through Trials
Even when life feels confusing or painful, God uses challenges to develop patience, perseverance, humility, and faith. James 1:2-4 reminds us that trials produce spiritual maturity: “Consider it pure joy… whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.”
Sometimes the work is invisible, but God is quietly shaping us into vessels fit for His purposes.
• He Strengthens Our Faith Through Waiting
God often works while we are waiting—teaching trust, reliance, and dependence on Him. We may not see immediate results, but He is building our faith. Isaiah 64:4 says, “Since ancient times no one has heard, no ear has perceived, no eye has seen any God besides you, who acts on behalf of those who wait for him.” Waiting is not wasted time; it is God’s hidden work.
• He Prepares Us for Future Blessings and Service
God may be quietly equipping us with knowledge, skill, wisdom, or spiritual insight for a purpose we cannot yet comprehend. Like Joseph in Genesis, God was working behind the scenes, preparing him for leadership in Egypt long before anyone could see it. Romans 8:28 reminds us, “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”
Even when life feels invisible or stagnant, God is moving in ways we cannot yet see—shaping, strengthening, and preparing us for His glory.
2. It is trusting that the story is not finished.
A potter was shaping a clay vessel on his wheel. Midway, the clay looked uneven and cracked. The young apprentice whispered, “Master, it’s ruined. You should start over.”
The potter smiled and said, “No, it is not finished yet.” With careful hands, he continued molding, smoothing, and strengthening the clay. When he was done, the once-flawed vessel became a beautiful, unique pot, perfectly suited for its purpose.
In the same way, God is still working on us. Even when we feel cracked, messy, or unworthy, He continues to shape us, refine us, and prepare us for the work He has planned. Our flaws are not the end—they are the canvas for His masterpiece.
3. It is remembering that every promise He made in His Word is backed by His character.
a. Through His Faithfulness to His Promises
God’s word is the ultimate proof of His character. He promises and delivers. For example:
“The LORD is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.” (2 Peter 3:9)
God’s promises are reliable because His character is unchanging.
b. Through His Actions in History
God demonstrates His attributes through His deeds:
• Provision: God fed the Israelites in the wilderness (Exodus 16).
• Justice: God delivers His people from oppression (Exodus 14).
• Mercy and Redemption: God sent Jesus to save humanity (John 3:16).
His consistent action over time backs up His character, showing that He is who He says He is.
c. Through His Faithfulness in Our Lives
God proves His character individually:
• He guides the humble (Psalm 25:9)
• He provides strength to the weak (Isaiah 40:29)
• He remains present in trials (Deuteronomy 31:6)
Even when circumstances seem uncertain, God’s unwavering nature ensures His promises and principles never fail.
Summary:
God backs His character by keeping His promises, acting consistently in history, being faithful in our lives. God is unchanging, consistent, and proven.
As we begin this Advent season, let the candle of hope remind you that God cannot fail, that He is nearer than you think, and that your waiting is not wasted.
________________________________________
A Prayer for Hope
Father, as we enter this Advent season, we light the candle of hope in our hearts.
Remind us that You are faithful in every promise, steady in every storm, and present in every moment.
Lift our eyes from what is broken to the One who restores.
Fill us with the quiet confidence that You are working in ways we cannot yet see.
May the hope of Christ guide our waiting, strengthen our hearts, and anchor our souls.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.
