Embracing Hope: The Promise of Advent

 

Summary

Summary:

As we gather on this first Sunday of Advent, we embark on a journey of anticipation and hope, reflecting on the prophetic voices that foretold the coming of a Savior. Advent marks the beginning of the church year, a time of waiting and watching, as we light the prophecy candle, symbolizing the hope and promise of the prophets. Jeremiah, often known as the weeping prophet, speaks to a people in exile, reminding them of God's unwavering faithfulness despite their suffering and disobedience. His message is not one of empty reassurance but a testament to the character of God, who fulfills promises and brings salvation.

In our modern lives, much like those living in earthquake zones, we often become complacent, forgetting the certainty of God's promises. Jeremiah's words challenge us to live with expectation, to trust in the fulfillment of God's promises, just as scientists predict inevitable earthquakes. The story of Gerald and Piggy illustrates the difficulty of waiting, yet it also reveals the beauty that emerges when we trust in what we cannot yet see. God's presence, like the stars hidden by daylight, is constant, ready to pierce through our darkness.

Advent invites us to embrace this hope, to believe in the reality of God's coming, past, present, and future. It is a call to recognize God's faithfulness throughout history and in our lives today. As we journey through Advent, let us remember the prophets' messages, holding onto the promise of salvation and the assurance that God is with us, now and always.

Key Takeaways:

1. The Prophetic Promise of Hope: Advent begins with the lighting of the prophecy candle, reminding us of the prophets who foretold the coming of a Savior. This season invites us to reflect on the hope and promise that God is faithful to fulfill His word, just as He did through the prophets. [13:12]

2. Living with Expectation: Like those living in earthquake zones, we often become complacent, forgetting the certainty of God's promises. Jeremiah's message challenges us to live with expectation, trusting in the fulfillment of God's promises, much like the inevitability of natural events. [21:46]

3. The Difficulty and Beauty of Waiting: The story of Gerald and Piggy illustrates the challenge of waiting, yet it also reveals the beauty that emerges when we trust in what we cannot yet see. God's presence, like the stars hidden by daylight, is constant, ready to pierce through our darkness. [28:25]

4. God's Faithfulness Through Time: Advent is a reminder of God's faithfulness throughout history and in our lives today. The prophets' messages assure us that God is with us, now and always, fulfilling His promise of salvation. [29:11]

5. Embracing the Advent Journey: As we journey through Advent, let us hold onto the promise of salvation and the assurance that God is with us. This season calls us to recognize God's presence in our past, present, and future, inviting us to live with hope and expectation. [31:21]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [12:05] - Children's Moment: Lighting the Prophecy Candle
- [14:17] - Opening Prayer
- [19:56] - Advent Reflection: Breaking Routine
- [21:46] - Jeremiah's Message of Hope
- [28:25] - The Story of Gerald and Piggy
- [29:11] - The Character of God
- [31:21] - The Hope of Advent
- [36:48] - Communion Invitation
- [43:06] - Benediction: God's Love and Presence
- [55:33] - Closing Remarks

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide: Advent - A Journey of Hope and Expectation

Bible Reading:
1. Jeremiah 33:14-16 - "The days are coming," declares the Lord, "when I will fulfill the good promise I made to the people of Israel and Judah."
2. Romans 8:24-25 - "For in this hope we were saved. But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what they already have? But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently."
3. Hebrews 11:1 - "Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see."

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Observation Questions:

1. What is the significance of the prophecy candle in the Advent tradition, and how does it relate to the message of hope from the prophets? [13:12]

2. How does Jeremiah's role as a prophet challenge the people in exile, and what is the dual task he is given according to the sermon? [21:46]

3. In the story of Gerald and Piggy, what lesson is illustrated about waiting and seeing what is not immediately visible? [28:25]

4. How does the sermon describe God's presence in our lives, using the metaphor of stars hidden by daylight? [28:25]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. How does Jeremiah's message of hope and expectation challenge the way people live in "earthquake zones" of life, according to the sermon? [21:46]

2. What does the story of Gerald and Piggy teach about the nature of hope and trust in God's promises, even when they are not immediately visible? [28:25]

3. How does the sermon suggest that Advent is a time to break from routine and embrace the freshness of God's love and presence? [19:56]

4. In what ways does the sermon suggest that God's faithfulness is evident throughout history and in our lives today? [29:11]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on a time when you found it difficult to wait for something. How can the story of Gerald and Piggy inspire you to trust in God's timing and promises? [28:25]

2. How can you actively live with expectation and hope in your daily life, much like those living in earthquake zones are challenged to do? What practical steps can you take to remind yourself of God's promises? [21:46]

3. Advent is a time to recognize God's presence in our past, present, and future. How can you make space in your life to reflect on God's faithfulness this Advent season? [29:11]

4. The sermon mentions the importance of breaking from routine to experience the freshness of God's love. What is one routine you can change or pause to make room for spiritual renewal during Advent? [19:56]

5. How can you use the metaphor of stars hidden by daylight to remind yourself of God's constant presence, even in times of darkness or uncertainty? [28:25]

6. Consider the prophetic promise of hope. How can you share this message of hope with someone in your life who may be struggling or in need of encouragement? [13:12]

7. As you journey through Advent, what is one specific way you can embrace the hope and expectation of God's coming in your personal life or community? [31:21]

Devotional

Day 1: The Prophetic Promise of Hope
Advent begins with the lighting of the prophecy candle, a symbol of hope and the promises made by the prophets about the coming of a Savior. This season invites believers to reflect on the steadfastness of God's word, as seen through the prophetic voices of the past. Jeremiah, known as the weeping prophet, spoke to a people in exile, reminding them of God's unwavering faithfulness despite their circumstances. His message was not one of empty reassurance but a testament to the character of God, who fulfills promises and brings salvation. In our modern lives, we are called to remember these promises and hold onto the hope they bring, trusting that God is faithful to fulfill His word, just as He did through the prophets. [13:12]

"For thus says the Lord: When seventy years are completed for Babylon, I will visit you, and I will fulfill to you my promise and bring you back to this place. For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope." (Jeremiah 29:10-11, ESV)

Reflection: What is one promise from God that you find difficult to believe? How can you remind yourself of His faithfulness today?


Day 2: Living with Expectation
In a world where complacency often takes hold, Jeremiah's message challenges believers to live with expectation, trusting in the fulfillment of God's promises. Just as those living in earthquake zones are reminded of the inevitability of natural events, so too are we reminded of the certainty of God's promises. This call to live with expectation is not about fear but about hope and trust in God's faithfulness. It is a reminder that, despite the uncertainties of life, God's promises remain steadfast and true. As we journey through Advent, we are invited to embrace this mindset, living with the assurance that God's promises will come to pass. [21:46]

"Therefore, stay awake, for you do not know on what day your Lord is coming. But know this, that if the master of the house had known in what part of the night the thief was coming, he would have stayed awake and would not have let his house be broken into." (Matthew 24:42-43, ESV)

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you have become complacent in your faith? How can you actively live with expectation in this area today?


Day 3: The Difficulty and Beauty of Waiting
The story of Gerald and Piggy illustrates the challenge of waiting, yet it also reveals the beauty that emerges when we trust in what we cannot yet see. Waiting is often difficult, filled with uncertainty and doubt, but it is also a time of growth and transformation. God's presence, like the stars hidden by daylight, is constant, ready to pierce through our darkness. This Advent season invites believers to embrace the waiting, trusting that God's promises will be fulfilled in His perfect timing. It is a call to recognize the beauty in the waiting, knowing that God is with us, guiding us through the darkness into His marvelous light. [28:25]

"Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord!" (Psalm 27:14, ESV)

Reflection: Think of a situation where you are currently waiting for God's intervention. How can you find beauty and growth in this period of waiting?


Day 4: God's Faithfulness Through Time
Advent is a reminder of God's faithfulness throughout history and in our lives today. The prophets' messages assure us that God is with us, now and always, fulfilling His promise of salvation. This season calls believers to reflect on the ways God has been faithful in their own lives, recognizing His presence in both the past and the present. It is a time to remember that God's faithfulness is not limited by time or circumstance but is a constant and enduring truth. As we journey through Advent, let us hold onto the assurance that God is with us, guiding us and fulfilling His promises in our lives. [29:11]

"Know therefore that the Lord your God is God, the faithful God who keeps covenant and steadfast love with those who love him and keep his commandments, to a thousand generations." (Deuteronomy 7:9, ESV)

Reflection: Reflect on a specific instance in your life where you have experienced God's faithfulness. How can this memory encourage you in your current circumstances?


Day 5: Embracing the Advent Journey
As we journey through Advent, we are invited to hold onto the promise of salvation and the assurance that God is with us. This season calls believers to recognize God's presence in their past, present, and future, inviting them to live with hope and expectation. It is a time to embrace the journey, trusting that God is guiding us and fulfilling His promises in our lives. As we light the prophecy candle and reflect on the messages of the prophets, let us be reminded of the hope and promise that God is faithful to fulfill His word, just as He did through the prophets. [31:21]

"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." (Philippians 1:6, ESV)

Reflection: How can you intentionally embrace the Advent journey this year, recognizing God's presence in your life? What steps can you take to live with hope and expectation during this season?

Quotes



Sometimes we are in a place where we cannot see it. But God is still there, ready to pierce through our darkness and bring light into our world. That is the day that Jeremiah is proclaiming. [00:29:11] (13 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)


That we really do expect what is going to happen. We expect what we are expecting to be true. Because it's... It has happened. It is real. [00:31:31] (13 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)


Surely the day is coming, the prophet Jeremiah says, when God will be with you in a whole new way, when God will come and save each of us. That day is not just in the past. That day is now and in your future. [00:54:28] (15 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)


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Transcript
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