First Sunday of Advent: Hope

The first Sunday of Advent focuses on the Old Testament prophecies concerning the coming of the Messiah. This day we are reminded that the Old Testament does not describe hope as something that may happen, but something that will certainly happen:

"Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel." -- Isaiah 7:14

Today we are reminded of the hope and anticipation of the arrival of the Messiah that we see in Scripture. Yet, we also wait with expectation for the day when Christ returns again to fully redeem this world and establish His kingdom in ultimate victory. Just as God provided the promised Messiah to His people, He will fulfill His promise regarding Jesus' return. We can have hope because our God is one who always fulfills His promises:

For all the promises of God find their Yes in him. That is why it is through him that we utter our Amen to God for his glory. And it is God who establishes us with you in Christ, and has anointed us, and who has also put his seal on us and given us his Spirit in our hearts as a guarantee." 2 Corinthians 1:20-22

As we light the first candle, we remember that Christ is the light of the world. This is the purpose of the advent season-to allow us to spend time in anticipation and preparation for the coming of our King. Let this be a season of excitement, joy, and hope as we prepare to celebrate the birth of our Prince of Peace and long for His future return.