Embracing Hope: The First Step of the Advent

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The First Sunday of Advent: Lighting the Candle of Hope

As we poured our morning coffee, my wife and I lit the first candle on our advent wreath. We read a couple of advent devotions, marking the continuation of a tradition that has spanned fifty-three Christmases, connecting us with generations past and future.

As the holiday season begins, many of us are drawn to the comforting warmth of family traditions and sacred moments that define this time of year. This past Sunday was the first day of Advent, a time to reflect on the core values of our faith as we prepare for Christmas. On this day, we light the first candle of Advent—the candle of hope. This candle symbolizes something profound and deeply meaningful, especially as we navigate life’s challenges.

The Significance of the Advent Season

Advent is not just a countdown to Christmas; it’s a spiritual journey. It invites us to pause and ponder the deeper meaning of the season. It is all about preparing for the first coming of Jesus, as the babe in the manger, who would become our Redeemer. Each of the four Sundays leading up to Christmas brings a new theme: hope, peace, joy, and love. However, this past Sunday focused on hope, which shines like a beacon in our lives. I’m reminded of the times when hope has sustained me through difficult seasons and how the Advent season always brings a renewed sense of hope.

So, what exactly is hope? It’s not merely a wish or fleeting emotion; hope is a powerful and transformative force. It is the bedrock upon which a resilient and enduring faith is built. In times of trouble, when life feels overwhelming, hope stands strong, guiding us through trials and shining a light of Christ on our darkest days, transforming our perspective and lives.

Hope and Endurance: A Powerful Connection

In understanding hope, we can draw from biblical teachings highlighting its importance. The New Testament includes a powerful word for endurance that ties directly to our understanding of hope. This word combines two Greek terms: “hypo,” which means “under,” and “meneo,” meaning “to abide.” Together, they form the term “hypomeneo,” which speaks to the idea of enduring while “abiding under” the weight of life’s struggles.

Think about that for a moment. “Real” endurance doesn’t just come from getting through tough times; it emerges from a deep-rooted hope that allows us to weather the storms we face, knowing that the Lord is with us. The idea is about bearing a heavy load but having the strength to stand firm, knowing that better days are ahead. It’s about realizing that while the world’s hope is Jesus, he gives us hope to make it through good and bad days.

In a world where challenges can feel burdensome, hope reminds us that we’re not alone in our struggles. It provides a sense of purpose and resilience, enabling us to rise above difficulties. This resilience becomes a part of our character, helping us grow stronger, wiser, and more compassionate.

Lighting the Candle of Hope

In lighting the first candle of Advent, we participate in a tradition that connects us with generations before us. The candle of hope is a powerful symbol, reminding us that even a tiny flame can dispel darkness. As we ignited that first candle, my wife and I were reminded to nurture hope in our own lives and share it with those around us.

Picture this moment: family and friends surrounding a flickering flame, its light casting shadows on the walls as we pause to reflect. Each flicker reminds us that hope shines brightly, even in the quietest and most challenging moments. It signifies the beginning of our spiritual journey this Advent season, urging us to look forward with anticipation and faith.

If you didn’t light an Advent candle this week, that’s okay. You still have three weeks to go! For more information about the Advent Wreath, check out this article from Crosswalk.

Jesus: The Ultimate Source of Hope and Reassurance

At the center of our Advent celebration lies the most transformative hope—Jesus Christ. His life exemplifies the kind of enduring hope we seek. In adversity, Jesus was a figure of compassion, strength, and unwavering faith. He came into a world filled with darkness and despair, bringing a message that resonated with everyone who felt lost or insignificant.

Jesus demonstrated what it means to endure under pressure, to bear the weight of sacrifice while remaining steadfast in His mission to bring love and healing to all. He showed us that hope isn’t just about wishing for a better future; it’s about living with purpose and faith, even when times are tough.

In John 10:10, Jesus says, “I have come that they may have life and have it to the full.” This promise resonates deeply within us, reminding us that hope is alive and active through our connection with Him. When we walk with Jesus, we find the strength to face our trials, knowing that our story is part of a much greater narrative of hope and redemption.

Nurturing Hope in Our Lives

In the next few weeks, I will be posting weekly about Embracing Hope: The First Step of the Advent Adventure. In this article, the first step is the first candle, the candle of hope. In the next three weeks, I will cover the reasons for the other three candles representing peace, joy, and love.

These short articles and action plans will help you have a happier, more meaningful holiday.

Action Plan:

Action Plan:

As we embrace the light of hope this Advent season, consider how we can nurture hope not only within ourselves but also in the lives of others. Here are some ways to pursue hope meaningfully:

1. Reach Out: Connect with someone who may be struggling. A simple text, call, or visit can make a significant difference. Sometimes, just knowing someone cares can reignite hope.

2. Share Your Story: Open up about your experiences and the times when hope flourished. Sharing your journey reveals the power of hope and connects you with others going through similar struggles, inspiring them with your resilience.

3. Create Space for Reflection: Set aside time to think about what hope means to you. Keep a journal to write down your thoughts, hopes, and prayers.

4. Engage in Service: Volunteer your time for those in need. Helping others can lead to profound hope for you and those you reach.

5. Prayer and Gratitude: Spend some moments in prayer, asking for hope in your life and the lives of others. Reflect on what you are grateful for, as gratitude often opens our hearts to hope.

Conclusion

As we reflect on the candle of hope on this first Sunday of Advent, let’s remember that hope is not just a feeling—it’s a powerful, enduring force that can shape our lives. In the words of the Apostle Paul, hope does not disappoint (Romans 5:5), and we can carry that truth close to our hearts.

As we draw closer to Christmas in the coming weeks, my prayer is the Lord will illuminate your path with the hope that he freely gives. Let’s nurture it within ourselves and share it generously with others. Just as the warm glow of the candle brightens the darkness, so can our hearts become sources of light and strength, reminding us of the hope we have in Christ.

Let’s embark on this Advent season with an open heart, ready to receive the gift of hope—an enduring foundation for our faith and an anchor in our lives.

Next week, look for the second step of the advent adventure: peace.

Have a Blessed week,

John