“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” – Romans 15:13
As the Advent season begins, we are invited to pause, reflect, and embrace the hope that defines this time of year. While traditions—like decorating trees, baking cookies, and lighting candles—create a sense of warmth and anticipation, Advent offers something much deeper: a profound reminder of God’s promises, fulfilled in Jesus and sustained by the Holy Spirit.
What Is Advent Hope?
Advent comes from the Latin word adventus, meaning “coming.” For centuries, Christians have used this season to reflect on two arrivals: the first coming of Christ, born as a baby in Bethlehem, and His promised return, when all things will be made new. This dual focus shapes how we experience hope:
- Past: We look back to the faithfulness of God, who fulfilled His promise of a Messiah. Prophecies foretold Christ’s birth, life, and sacrifice, and every one of them came true.
- Present: We live in a broken world, yet the Holy Spirit sustains us with abundant hope, empowering us to reflect Christ in our daily lives.
- Future: We anticipate a day when sin and suffering will be no more, and we will dwell with God forever.
A Hope Beyond Wishful Thinking
Hope in our culture often feels like wishful thinking: “I hope it doesn’t snow tomorrow,” or “I hope my plans work out.” But biblical hope is entirely different. It’s not rooted in uncertainty but in God’s faithfulness.
Paul calls Him the “God of hope” in Romans 15:13, emphasizing that hope is a gift from God. This hope is secure because Jesus lived a sinless life, died for our sins, and rose again. It is sustained by the Holy Spirit, who fills us with joy and peace as we trust in Him.
Living Between Advents
As Advent Christians, we live in the tension between the “already” and the “not yet.” Christ has come, and salvation is ours, but we await the fullness of His kingdom. This shapes how we live today:
- Eyes on the future, hands in the present: We anchor our hope in God’s promises while working to bring His love and justice to our world.
- Holding fast to hope: In seasons of suffering, we cling to the certainty that God will wipe away every tear and make all things new (Revelation 21:3-5).
Don’t Miss It
The story of Advent reminds us of those who waited centuries for the Messiah, some of whom missed Him entirely. This Christmas, don’t miss the hope that God offers through Christ. Whether life feels like a cycle of struggle or you’re simply longing for something deeper, this hope is available to you.
God’s hope isn’t fleeting or fragile—it’s unshakable. As we celebrate Advent, may we live as people filled with hope, looking back to God’s faithfulness, living in His presence today, and anticipating the glorious future He has promised.
Join Us for Advent
Interested in learning more about Advent, the church, or faith in Jesus? Contact us or join us each week in December at King’s Cross Church to experience our Advent series leading up to our Christmas Eve Service.