Advent Week 1 - A Conversation About Hope

Let's celebrate Advent together! In addition to this week's episode, enjoy the following devotional and reflection questions.Advent Hope
By Sarah Stiles
 
No one leaves a good book unfinished. I’ll bet any good book you’ve recommended is one you’ve fully read. After all, the ending is why the story is bestowed the adjective of “good,” if not “great.” I know a book is good when it competes for my sleep and wins.
 
Do you know from what book these lines originate: “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace”? (I’ll give you a hint: Christmas verses.) If you guessed the Bible, way to go! Bonus points if you said Isaiah 9:6. I love Christmas. Every year it comes around, I can’t wait for the familiar tunes, the endearing memorized movie lines, and the hopefully-happy faces when my family opens their presents. (I would say snow is a favorite memory as well, but alas, such a guarantee is impossible in Texas, and to make such a claim, I’d be given coal in my stocking.)
 
In my parents’ house, sitting in front of the crackling fireplace with presents dotting the floor, Dad makes our family pause before the tearing open of gifts. I admit, it takes a minute for my mind to focus on the familiar words of Scripture we take turns reading aloud. After all, the familiarity of Jesus’ birth is old news, and the presents in front of me are a mystery. There is an urgency to open them!
 
I feel sad and a tinge of guilt to admit this. The Christmas story is often like my childhood's dusty old tree we pull out of the attic for a short time to decorate and celebrate, only to then bury back in its box when the New Year hits.
 
I can’t help but think I’m missing part of the story beyond Jesus’ birth, and even past His resurrection. Jesus is my Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Prince of Peace! Why do these names only appear alongside the soon-fading Christmas tunes? I want a stronger hope sparked in me with the reminder of His birth.
 
The Messiah’s first coming, Jesus’ birth, is a snippet of our hope we do well to remember. But leaving the Christmas story at the Christmas story is like starting a great book but refusing to read the end. It doesn’t make sense. My hope surrounding Christ diminishes when I forget the rest of the story, the end of the book, the best part!
 
When we stop and pause this December to celebrate His first coming that brought salvation, what if we also remember our hope in His second coming that will bring full restoration and wholeness? (It’s okay to skip to the end of this book.) The last two verses of the Bible stir such yearning and joy in me: “[Jesus] who is the faithful witness to all these things says, ‘Yes, I am coming soon!’ Amen! Come, Lord Jesus!” Baby Jesus is coming back as King!
 
This year, when my family gathers again in my parents’ living room with presents scattered around, I want to ask my dad to add in another passage. Let’s skip to the end. For the ending is the best part. And it’s there in the urgency of His promise, my hope stirs strongest.
 
Reflection Questions
Read Luke 2:22-38. How did Simeon and Anna respond to their long-awaited desire for the Messiah, Jesus, to come and bring salvation?
Read Revelation 21:1-7. What about Jesus and His second coming fill your heart with hope?
Read Isaiah 9:6-9. Describe your longing for Jesus to come back again and make all things perfect. Thank Him that it’s guaranteed that He will do it.
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