Devotional (November 30) – Mike Knott
“I hope it’s ______.” When is the last time you heard someone say that phrase? How did they finish the sentence? What were they hoping for? Why do you think it was so important to them? What do you find yourself hoping for?
Advent is a season for hope. The Apostle Paul wrote this in Romans 5:1-5
Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we boast in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.
Paul’s reminds us that hope is a future-oriented reality that is firmly rooted in historical truth. We can look forward to peace with God as a result of Jesus entering into the world. Paul also reminds us that we can find hope in the face of our difficult circumstances because we can trust that God’s love is evident to us through the work of the Holy Spirit. God shows up in our weary world and breathe life into our weariness.
In this season, we can have hope. A weary world that is in desperate need of hope can find that hope in Jesus. The candle we light today reminds us of the hope we have in, and through, Jesus.
“I hope it’s ______.” When is the last time you heard someone say that phrase? How did they finish the sentence? What were they hoping for? Why do you think it was so important to them? What do you find yourself hoping for?
Advent is a season for hope. The Apostle Paul wrote this in Romans 5:1-5
Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we boast in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.
Paul’s reminds us that hope is a future-oriented reality that is firmly rooted in historical truth. We can look forward to peace with God as a result of Jesus entering into the world. Paul also reminds us that we can find hope in the face of our difficult circumstances because we can trust that God’s love is evident to us through the work of the Holy Spirit. God shows up in our weary world and breathe life into our weariness.
In this season, we can have hope. A weary world that is in desperate need of hope can find that hope in Jesus. The candle we light today reminds us of the hope we have in, and through, Jesus.
Prayer
Dear Jesus, Thank you for becoming our hope. Please keep us from despair as we put our trust in you each day. In a weary world full of darkness, despair, and brokenness help us to be a people shining Your light of hope for all to see. Amen.
Song
Listen to “O Holy Night” by North Point Christmas (Let There Be Light) and take time to reflect on the line: “A thrill of hope, the weary world rejoices.” What do you think the author meant by describing Jesus as a “thrill of hope”? What hope do you think Jesus provides for a weary world? How would you envision a weary world rejoicing as they encounter the hope that Jesus provides?
Advent Practice: The Blessing of Service – How can we serve others in our community?
Look for a way this week (or in the month ahead) to serve others. Maybe you can offer to serve a meal at NightShift. Bake some snacks to donate to the Extreme Weather Shelter. Call a local shelter and ask if there is a way to serve. Call The Salvation Army and offer to ring a bell for one of the kettle campaigns. Participate in a food drive for a food bank. Sign up to help the Deacons deliver Christmas Care Packs. If possible, find a way to do this along with someone else (family, friends, small group, or church family). While serving, consider the ways you are helping the weary world experience the hope of Jesus.
Dear Jesus, Thank you for becoming our hope. Please keep us from despair as we put our trust in you each day. In a weary world full of darkness, despair, and brokenness help us to be a people shining Your light of hope for all to see. Amen.
Song
Listen to “O Holy Night” by North Point Christmas (Let There Be Light) and take time to reflect on the line: “A thrill of hope, the weary world rejoices.” What do you think the author meant by describing Jesus as a “thrill of hope”? What hope do you think Jesus provides for a weary world? How would you envision a weary world rejoicing as they encounter the hope that Jesus provides?
Advent Practice: The Blessing of Service – How can we serve others in our community?
Look for a way this week (or in the month ahead) to serve others. Maybe you can offer to serve a meal at NightShift. Bake some snacks to donate to the Extreme Weather Shelter. Call a local shelter and ask if there is a way to serve. Call The Salvation Army and offer to ring a bell for one of the kettle campaigns. Participate in a food drive for a food bank. Sign up to help the Deacons deliver Christmas Care Packs. If possible, find a way to do this along with someone else (family, friends, small group, or church family). While serving, consider the ways you are helping the weary world experience the hope of Jesus.
