Advent Brings Hope

 

     Yesterday was the first Sunday in Advent. The season of anticipation and preparation is upon us. A  purple candle on the advent wreath is lit. This candle is typically called the "prophecy candle" or “hope candle.”  The prophet, Isaiah, as well as many others in the Old Testament foresaw the coming Messiah. He fills the world with hope.  a

Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel.  Isaiah 7:14

     This first candle represents a hope, an expectation, an anticipation of the coming Messiah. The prophets of old longed for His coming. The disciples and the followers of Jesus saw those prophecies fulfilled in their lifetimes. They walked with Him and talked with Him and He will come again one day soon.

     In the meantime, there is hope. We celebrate His first coming during this wonderful season of hope.

“But now, Lord, what do I look for? My hope is in You.” Psalm 39:7

Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance of what we do not see. Hebrews 11:1

Lord,

We wait for You in hope. Prepare us for this season as we get ready to celebrate the miraculous birth of Jesus. Renew our hearts this season with the gift of hope. We also wait with hope for Your second coming. .

Amen