Embracing Hope: The Light of Advent
Summary
Welcome to the season of Advent, a time of anticipation and reflection as we prepare for the coming of Christ. This season, we light the Advent wreath, beginning with the candle of hope, symbolizing the promise of the Messiah. In a world often shrouded in darkness, we are reminded of the light that Christ brings, a light that shines brightly even in the deepest shadows. The prophet Isaiah spoke of a people who walked in darkness seeing a great light, a promise fulfilled in the birth of Jesus, our Savior, who brings hope to the hopeless and peace to the troubled.
As we journey through Advent, we are called to be present in hope, peace, love, and joy. This presence is not just about being physically present but being emotionally and spiritually engaged with those around us. In a world filled with distractions, it is easy to lose sight of the true meaning of the season. We are reminded to be attentive to those who may be struggling, offering them the gift of hope through our presence and encouragement.
The story of Jesus' birth, as recounted in the Gospel of Matthew, emphasizes the fulfillment of God's promise to be with us, Emmanuel, God with us. This presence is the greatest gift of all, a reminder that we are never alone, even in our darkest moments. As we reflect on this gift, we are encouraged to share our faith with others, inviting them to experience the hope and joy of the season.
In the midst of our celebrations, we must also acknowledge the challenges of hope. For those experiencing loss or hardship, the season can be particularly difficult. It is important to create spaces where people can express their struggles and find comfort in the presence of others. Our Blue Christmas service is one such space, offering a flicker of hope to those who need it most.
As we prepare to celebrate the birth of Christ, let us also look forward to His return, when heaven and earth will be united, and God will reign forever. This is the true gift of Christmas, a hope that cannot be shaken. Let us carry this hope into the world, shining the light of Christ into the darkness and bringing His peace to all we encounter.
Key Takeaways:
1. The Light of Hope: Advent reminds us of the light that Christ brings into the world, a light that shines in the darkness and offers hope to the hopeless. This hope is not just a distant promise but a living reality that we are called to embody and share with others. [19:41]
2. Presence in a Distracted World: In a world filled with distractions, it is crucial to be present with those around us, offering them our full attention and support. This presence is a gift that can bring hope and healing to those who are struggling. [50:54]
3. Challenges of Hope: The season of Advent can be difficult for those experiencing loss or hardship. It is important to create spaces where people can express their struggles and find comfort in the presence of others, offering them a flicker of hope. [51:57]
4. The Gift of Forgiveness: Reconciliation and forgiveness are powerful gifts that can bring healing and hope to both parties involved. Letting go of resentment can make us better people and create a better world. [01:03:27]
5. Sharing Our Faith: Advent is an opportune time to share our faith with others, inviting them to experience the hope and joy of the season. By being intentional in our invitations, we can help others encounter the presence of God in their lives. [01:04:39]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [19:41] - Lighting the Candle of Hope
- [32:45] - Unison Prayer of Confession
- [35:23] - Words of Assurance
- [43:33] - Advent Theme: Christmas Presence
- [50:54] - Being Present in a Distracted World
- [51:57] - Challenges of Hope
- [01:03:27] - The Gift of Forgiveness
- [01:04:39] - Sharing Our Faith
- [01:07:29] - Invitation to the Lord's Supper
- [01:19:32] - New Member Welcome
- [01:19:32] - Closing and Benediction
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide: Advent - The Light of Hope
Bible Reading:
1. Isaiah 9:2-7
2. Matthew 1:18-23
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Observation Questions:
1. What does the candle of hope symbolize in the Advent wreath, and how is it connected to the promise of the Messiah? [19:41]
2. How does the prophet Isaiah describe the transformation from darkness to light for the people? [43:33]
3. In the Gospel of Matthew, how is the birth of Jesus described as the fulfillment of God's promise? [43:33]
4. What are some of the distractions mentioned in the sermon that can prevent us from being present with others during the Advent season? [50:54]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the light of Christ offer hope to those who feel hopeless, according to the sermon? [19:41]
2. In what ways does the presence of God, as described in the sermon, provide comfort during times of loss or hardship? [51:57]
3. How can the act of lighting the Advent candle serve as a reminder of the hope and promise of Christ's coming? [19:41]
4. What role does forgiveness play in bringing healing and hope, as discussed in the sermon? [01:03:27]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a time when you felt surrounded by darkness. How did you find hope, and how can you share that hope with others this Advent season? [19:41]
2. Consider the distractions in your life that prevent you from being fully present with others. What steps can you take to minimize these distractions during Advent? [50:54]
3. How can you create a space for someone who is struggling this season, offering them the gift of your presence and encouragement? [51:57]
4. Think of a relationship in your life that could benefit from reconciliation. What steps can you take to offer forgiveness and healing this Advent? [01:03:27]
5. Identify one person in your life who might be experiencing loss or hardship. How can you offer them a flicker of hope this Christmas? [51:57]
6. Advent is a time to share our faith. Who in your life could you invite to experience the hope and joy of the season, and how will you extend that invitation? [01:04:39]
7. Reflect on the promise of Emmanuel, "God with us." How does this promise impact your daily life, and how can you live out this truth in your interactions with others? [43:33]
Devotional
Day 1: The Light of Hope in Darkness
In the season of Advent, the candle of hope is lit to symbolize the promise of the Messiah, a light that shines in the darkness. This light is not just a distant promise but a living reality that we are called to embody and share with others. In a world often shrouded in darkness, the light of Christ offers hope to the hopeless and peace to the troubled. The prophet Isaiah spoke of a people who walked in darkness seeing a great light, a promise fulfilled in the birth of Jesus, our Savior. As we reflect on this, we are reminded that the hope Christ brings is a beacon that guides us through our darkest moments, encouraging us to carry this hope into the world. [19:41]
Isaiah 9:2 (ESV): "The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness, on them has light shone."
Reflection: Who in your life needs to see the light of hope today, and how can you be a beacon of that hope for them?
Day 2: Being Present in a Distracted World
In today's fast-paced world, filled with distractions, it is crucial to be present with those around us, offering them our full attention and support. This presence is not just about being physically present but being emotionally and spiritually engaged. Advent calls us to be attentive to those who may be struggling, offering them the gift of hope through our presence and encouragement. By being present, we can bring hope and healing to those who are struggling, reminding them of the true meaning of the season. [50:54]
1 Thessalonians 5:14 (ESV): "And we urge you, brothers, admonish the idle, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with them all."
Reflection: In what ways can you intentionally be present with someone who needs your support today, setting aside distractions to offer them your full attention?
Day 3: Creating Spaces for Hope Amidst Challenges
The season of Advent can be particularly difficult for those experiencing loss or hardship. It is important to create spaces where people can express their struggles and find comfort in the presence of others. Our Blue Christmas service is one such space, offering a flicker of hope to those who need it most. By acknowledging the challenges of hope, we can provide a supportive environment where people can find solace and encouragement, reminding them that they are not alone in their struggles. [51:57]
2 Corinthians 1:3-4 (ESV): "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God."
Reflection: How can you create a space of comfort and hope for someone facing challenges this Advent season?
Day 4: The Transformative Power of Forgiveness
Reconciliation and forgiveness are powerful gifts that can bring healing and hope to both parties involved. Letting go of resentment can make us better people and create a better world. As we prepare to celebrate the birth of Christ, we are reminded of the gift of forgiveness that He offers us, encouraging us to extend this gift to others. By embracing forgiveness, we can experience healing and transformation, allowing us to move forward with hope and peace. [01:03:27]
Colossians 3:13 (ESV): "Bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive."
Reflection: Think of someone you need to forgive. How can you begin to extend forgiveness to them today, and what steps can you take to let go of resentment?
Day 5: Sharing the Hope and Joy of Advent
Advent is an opportune time to share our faith with others, inviting them to experience the hope and joy of the season. By being intentional in our invitations, we can help others encounter the presence of God in their lives. The story of Jesus' birth emphasizes the fulfillment of God's promise to be with us, Emmanuel, God with us. As we reflect on this gift, we are encouraged to share our faith with others, inviting them to experience the hope and joy of the season. [01:04:39]
1 Peter 3:15 (ESV): "But in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect."
Reflection: Who can you invite to experience the hope and joy of Advent this week, and how can you share your faith with them in a meaningful way?
Quotes
"We wait in hope for the coming of our Savior who brings hope to the hopeless, peace to the troubled, and light to the world. Amen. Amen. May we live in the hope of Christ's promise, trusting in his faithfulness to redeem and restore." [00:19:51] (17 seconds)
"Gracious God, we confess that we often place our hope in things that cannot sustain us. Our own strength, the pursuit of wealth, and the shifting circumstances, and the loss of life. We forget that true hope comes only through you and has promised to be with us always." [00:35:02] (21 seconds)
"Christ came into the world to give us a living hope. A hope that cannot be shaken. In Jesus Christ we are forgiven and our hope is restored. Thanks be to God. Amen." [00:36:20] (16 seconds)
"Through this Advent season, find ways of sharing your faith. And let me tell you, it's pretty easy during this season to invite people to church. You know, if it's just a random Sunday and March or April and you invite somebody to church, they may think you're friendly. They also may think you're up to something." [01:04:12] (19 seconds)
"Shine the light of Christ into this dark world with the hope of Jesus. This morning, for the last time this year, we come to experience the Lord's Supper together, as we join in faith at this table." [01:05:22] (24 seconds)
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