H. O. P. E.

We have this as a sure and steadfast anchor of the soul, a hope that enters into the inner place behind the curtain, where Jesus has gone as a forerunner on our behalf… — Hebrews 6:19-20 ESV

A hush fell as the lights dimmed to near darkness and the speaker described the condition of the world the Baby Jesus would be born into.

God’s people had long been oppressed by the Roman government.

Those were dark days back then, full of hopelessness for the Israelites. The somber mood in the worship center deepened the sense of hopelessness. It seemed we could feel a fraction of what the Israelites had felt.

And then into the darkness a small flame erupted. The flicker of light came from the Advent wreath at the front of the church, a tiny glow that shattered the darkness.

Darkness cannot exist where light is, and when darkness is extinguished, hope is born.

How fitting that hope is the theme for the first of the four weeks of Advent. Hope comes first, hope for the peace and joy and love we cannot find on our own and never in real and lasting measure apart from Christ.

Each year as December rolls along, my spirit simply wants to be quiet and digest Advent’s themes, the realities of each of the weeks, instead of hurrying through the chaos. I long to reflect and finish the year with the messages of Advent on my heart.

Advent is for filling up on hope; what a refreshing thought!

As today’s verse says, Jesus is the forerunner of our lives. And with Him in the lead, we can welcome the days ahead full of hope.

~ Erin Keeley Marshall

Faith Step: Remind yourself of H.O.P.E. with these responses to Jesus for being our great hope: Hallelujah Overflowing in Praises Eternal.

Excerpted with permission from Mornings With Jesus 2017, copyright Guideposts.

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Your Turn

Do you relate with the sense of hopelessness? Do your days feel dark? What a gift this Advent season is then — the Light of the World has come and HOPE has arrived. Come share your thoughts about the hope of Jesus today on our blog. We want to hear from you! ~ Devotionals Daily