The first Sunday of Advent typically focuses on the theme of hope. This is not some kind of wishful thinking about the future, but a steadfast certainty that God is who He says He is, that Jesus died for our sins, rose again, and ascended into heaven, and that one day He will return to gather His people. The human authors of Scripture pointed repeatedly to this unshakeable hope.
“It seemed good to me also, having followed all things closely for some time past, to write an orderly account for you… that you may have certainty concerning the things you have been taught” (Luke 1:3-4).
“So when God desired to show more convincingly to the heirs of the promise the unchangeable character of His purpose, He guaranteed it with an oath, so that by two unchangeable things, in which is it impossible for God to lie, we who have fled for refuge might have strong encouragement to hold fast to the hope set before us. 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… This makes Jesus the guarantor of a better covenant… Consequently, He is able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them” (Heb. 6:17-20a, 7:22, 25).
“I am writing to you, fathers, because you know Him who is from the beginning. I am writing to you, young men, because you have overcome the evil one. I write to you, children, because you know the Father” (1 John 2:13).
When we know God as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, we have confident hope in His care for us.
“For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Rom. 8:38-39).
“And I am sure of this, that He who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ” (Phil. 1:6)
In a world where it seems like the only certain things are death and taxes, we need reminders that God is greater than all this. There is nothing that happens apart from His knowledge and permission (Job 1-2). I’ve been reminded of this in multiple ways recently in areas where I have tried to control the uncontrollable. I can’t do it, but I can trust and hope in the One who is in control of all things.
“Let Your steadfast love, O Lord, be upon us, even as we hope in You” (Psalm 33:22).
