Week 1 and candle 1 of Advent represent Hope, The light of the prophets reminds us of the hope that God gives us on the way to Bethlehem. The promised Messiah would come. For hundreds of years the prophets had told of the coming Messiah. He was the hope for Israel and they were waiting and hoping in anticipation!
Micah 5:2
“But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are of old, from ancient times.”
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Isaiah 7:14
“Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel.”
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Isaiah 9:2
“The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness, on them has light shined.”
God’s plan was much bigger and better than what many had hoped for. The Messiah would not only one day rule the nations, but He was coming to bind up the brokenhearted, free the captives, release prisoners from darkness, comfort all who mourn, give joy instead of despair and grant salvation! God was coming in flesh to redeem His creation!
I’m grateful today for what God has fulfilled (and continues to fulfill) in my life. He has healed my broken heart more than once, He has set me free from sin and darkness (it is complete, as well as a continual work), He has been my comfort and His Joy is my strength. The LORD is my salvation! My prayer for those who don’t know God in this way is that one day, they will. Advent is a time to reflect and admit our need for God’s perfect love! If anyone is need of hope, healing, freedom and salvation, in Jesus, it is offered freely to you.
For those who already have this hope, celebrate it! Keep your eyes on Him, being hopeful with anticipation, awaiting His coming. Let’s not grow tired in doing what is good, always remember what God and His Kingdom is all about. He will return and make all things right! That is a real and glorious hope, a gift for the entire world.
Hebrews 11:1 says,
“Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.”
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