On What Is Our Hope Built?
Advent devotion by David Wolfgang
As we enter this holiday season what do Christians and many people anticipate? I think we all could come up with a long list. Time with family, specials on TV, Peace on Earth, school pageants, Hallmark movies, big meals, singing Carols, stockings hanging by the fireplace, gifts under a tree, snow; all of these or more may be on that list. This time of year, the few weeks preceding the Christmas holiday is a special time of anticipation. Advent, which means “coming” in Latin, is a time of anticipation and preparation for Christians. We are celebrating the coming of Jesus in the world. Why was the entry of Jesus into the world so anticipated and now celebrated for over two thousand years? Jesus represented hope.
For thousands of years the Hebrews hoped for a Messiah. “Hope is the desire with expectation of obtainment or fulfillment” (Merriam Webster). This savior was foretold for hundreds of years by the Prophets in the Bible. For years, the Hebrews hoped and hoped and prayed and prayed, but no savior. They believed this savior would free their nation and bring them power and wealth, a favored status. Then suddenly in the small village of Bethlehem a baby was born. That baby was the fulfillment of the expectation for a savior, the Messiah sent from God. This Messiah didn’t act or rescue the Hebrews exactly as they expected. In fact, he came as the hope for all people for all time, not just the Messiah of Israel. His life moved him from baby to teacher to Savior of the world. The hope of all people can now be their birth, as a new life within the family of God.
“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead” 1 Peter 1: 3
A favorite old hymn states “our hope is built on nothing less that Jesus’ blood and righteousness”. As we prepare to celebrate this holiday season with family and friends, may our hope be that everyone with whom we share the holidays, is aware and accepts the greatest gift of all. May they Advent of Jesus into the world also be the Advent of a Savior into their hearts.