Embracing Hope: The Promise of Advent's Presence

Devotional

Day 1: Advent's Dual Anticipation

Advent is a season that invites us to prepare for both the remembrance of Christ's birth and the anticipation of His return. This dual focus encourages us to reflect on how we can welcome God's presence into our lives now and in the future. It is a time of hope, peace, love, and joy, reminding us that God's kingdom is both present and yet to come. As we light the candle of hope, we acknowledge the darkness around us and within us, yet we proclaim that God's hope is present, even when life is challenging. This hope is not a naive optimism but a deep trust that God is near, regardless of our circumstances. [10:18]

"For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age, waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ." (Titus 2:11-13, ESV)

Reflection: How can you actively prepare your heart to welcome God's presence during this Advent season, both in remembrance of Christ's birth and in anticipation of His return?

Day 2: The Assurance of Advent Permanence

The concept of "Advent permanence" reminds us that God's presence is constant, much like the game of peekaboo teaches babies about object permanence. Even when we cannot see God, we trust that God is with us. This assurance is crucial, especially in times of fear and uncertainty. The Gospel of Luke speaks to this, offering hope to those who feel abandoned or lost. Jesus' words about signs and the coming of the Son of Man are not meant to instill fear but to remind us of God's enduring presence and faithfulness. [38:22]

"Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you." (Deuteronomy 31:6, ESV)

Reflection: In what areas of your life do you struggle to trust in God's unseen presence, and how can you remind yourself of His constant faithfulness today?

Day 3: Hope Amidst Uncertainty

The Gospel of Luke's message during Advent is not one of fear but of hope. In a world that feels chaotic, Jesus' words assure us that God is still with us, offering redemption and salvation. This hope is rooted in God's boundless presence, which remains steadfast despite life's challenges. Advent is a time for the weary and uncertain, those longing for assurance. It calls us to lift our eyes and recognize the larger story God is writing, a story where God is always present, weaving hope and love through time. [42:12]

"Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you in turmoil within me? Hope in God; for I shall again praise him, my salvation and my God." (Psalm 42:11, ESV)

Reflection: When faced with uncertainty, how can you anchor your hope in God's promises and presence, rather than in the shifting circumstances around you?

Day 4: Living as People of Advent Permanence

Advent calls us to live with the assurance of God's presence, allowing it to transform our lives. This involves trusting in God's promises and being a sign of hope to others. By embodying God's love and faithfulness, we can offer encouragement and presence to those who feel unseen. This season challenges us to live as people of "Advent permanence," trusting in God's unshakable presence and allowing that hope to transform us. [47:26]

"Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful." (Hebrews 10:23, ESV)

Reflection: How can you be a tangible sign of God's love and hope to someone in your life who feels unseen or forgotten today?

Day 5: Recognizing the Larger Story of God's Presence

Advent invites us to lift our eyes and recognize the larger story God is writing. Despite our fears and anxieties, we are part of an ancient, sacred story where God is always present. This perspective helps us trust in God's purposes and presence, even when life feels unsteady. As we partake in communion, we are reminded of Christ's enduring presence, nourishing us for the journey ahead. [45:13]

"Remember the former things of old; for I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like me, declaring the end from the beginning and from ancient times things not yet done, saying, 'My counsel shall stand, and I will accomplish all my purpose.'" (Isaiah 46:9-10, ESV)

Reflection: In what ways can you lift your eyes to see the larger story God is writing in your life, and how does this perspective change your response to current challenges?

Sermon Summary

Welcome to the first Sunday of Advent, a season of anticipation and preparation for the coming of Christ. Advent invites us to reflect on two comings: the birth of Jesus at Christmas and the future return of Christ to establish God's kingdom fully. As we light the candle of hope, we acknowledge the darkness around us and within us, yet we proclaim that God's hope is present, even when life is challenging. Hope is not a naive optimism but a deep trust that God is near, regardless of our circumstances.

The concept of "Advent permanence" reminds us that God's presence is constant, much like the game of peekaboo teaches babies about object permanence. Even when we cannot see God, we trust that God is with us. This assurance is crucial, especially in times of fear and uncertainty. The Gospel of Luke speaks to this, offering hope to those who feel abandoned or lost. Jesus' words about signs and the coming of the Son of Man are not meant to instill fear but to remind us of God's enduring presence and faithfulness.

Advent is a time for the weary and uncertain, those longing for assurance. It calls us to lift our eyes and recognize the larger story God is writing, a story where God is always present, weaving hope and love through time. This season challenges us to live as people of "Advent permanence," trusting in God's unshakable presence and allowing that hope to transform us. As we partake in communion, we are reminded of Christ's enduring presence, nourishing us for the journey ahead.

Key Takeaways

1. Advent as a Season of Dual Anticipation: Advent is a time to prepare for both the remembrance of Christ's birth and the anticipation of His return. This dual focus invites us to reflect on how we can welcome God's presence into our lives now and in the future. It is a season of hope, peace, love, and joy, reminding us that God's kingdom is both present and yet to come. [10:18]
2. The Concept of Advent Permanence: Just as babies learn object permanence through peekaboo, Advent teaches us that God's presence is constant, even when unseen. This permanence offers comfort in times of fear and loss, reminding us that God is always near, pursuing us with love and presence. [38:22]
3. Hope Amidst Uncertainty: The Gospel of Luke's message during Advent is not one of fear but of hope. In a world that feels chaotic, Jesus' words assure us that God is still with us, offering redemption and salvation. This hope is rooted in God's boundless presence, which remains steadfast despite life's challenges. [42:12]
4. Living as People of Advent Permanence: Advent calls us to live with the assurance of God's presence, allowing it to transform our lives. This involves trusting in God's promises and being a sign of hope to others. By embodying God's love and faithfulness, we can offer encouragement and presence to those who feel unseen. [47:26]
5. The Larger Story of God's Presence: Advent invites us to lift our eyes and recognize the larger story God is writing. Despite our fears and anxieties, we are part of an ancient, sacred story where God is always present. This perspective helps us trust in God's purposes and presence, even when life feels unsteady. [45:13]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[10:18] - Lighting the Candle of Hope
[33:53] - The Lesson of Object Permanence
[36:29] - Grief and Love's Permanence
[38:22] - Advent Permanence
[39:47] - Hope in the Gospel of Luke
[42:12] - Advent's Call to Stand Firm
[43:05] - Autobiography of Worry
[45:13] - The Larger Story of God's Presence
[46:31] - Living with Advent Hope
[47:26] - Being a Sign of God's Love
[48:22] - Prayer for God's Presence
[50:21] - Communion: Encountering God's Presence
[51:17] - Invitation to Christ's Meal
[59:09] - The Gift of Communion
[66:23] - Closing Prayer and Benediction

Sermon Clips

Hope is this honest thing that even when life is hard and circumstances are tough and it's hard to see where God is and what God is doing we trust that God is near that in all circumstances God is with us that is our hope and that is what we proclaim today as we light the candle of hope in the face of all that isn't as it should be we light this candle and we invite God's hope to take presence in our lives and in the future. [00:13:12] (37 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

If object permanence teaches us that love remains, then Advent teaches us that God remains. Even in uncertainty and fear and loss, even when we can't see what God is doing or how God is at work. Even if we struggle to feel that God is near, Advent tells us that we can trust that God is near to us, that God comes to us. [00:37:51] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

You see, all those words from Jesus wouldn't have brought fear to them but promise that God is still with them. They still have hope. Things may not stick around, but God sticks around even when we cannot see him. And that was the source of their hope. [00:41:10] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

Advent's for the weary and the uncertain, for those longing for assurance and for God's presence. Into the chaos of the world, Jesus says, stand up, raise your heads. Salvation and redemption is near. God is still with us, pursuing us with love and presence. [00:42:32] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

Nadia said it reminded her that every moment of worry was just a tiny piece of a much bigger story, a story where God is always there for her. Always present, weaving strength and beauty and hope through time. She concluded with this truth, the dominant story is not the ultimate story. The loudest story is not the ultimate story. The story of fear is not the ultimate story. The story of worry and anxiety is not the ultimate story. [00:44:55] (36 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

Hope allows us to trust in God's presence and purposes, even when life feels unsteady. God is always with us, Emmanuel. Our boundless hope comes from God's boundless presence. So as Advent begins, let God's boundless hope transform you. [00:45:57] (34 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

What would change in our lives if we truly lived as though God is always with us? How might it shape how you face fear or loss or indifference or uncertainty? Could we become more curious and less defensive if our hope was anchored in the God who was and is and is to come? [00:46:38] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

We ask, God, that as we journey through this season, that we'll hold on to the truth that you are always near, that you are a God who promises to be with us in our joy and our sorrows, in our waiting and our longing. Help us to trust your permanence, even when we cannot see you. [00:48:45] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

As we reflect on God's boundless presence in this season, we're reminded that God's presence is still with us. It's not distant or abstract. God continues to draw near to us in everyday moments of our lives, offering us hope and faithfulness. Grace and hope and joy and love and peace. [00:49:47] (19 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

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