Today marks the beginning of Advent. Advent is the season of waiting and of preparing for the birth of Christ. The first Advent was the birth in a stable in Bethlehem, the Incarnation that we celebrate as Christmas. As Israel longed for their Messiah to come, so Christians long for their Savior to come again.
Each Sunday in the four weeks of Advent is marked with the lighting of a symbolic candle. Each successive candle is a reminder that Jesus, the Light of the World, is coming. Today we light the Hope candle. We remember that the hope of the Messiah began early in the Old Testament, in the writings of the prophets. Most notable are the words of Isaiah: “The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; a light has dawned on those living in darkness. ” Isaiah 9:2 HCSB
And then there is this. “Therefore, the Lord himself will give you a sign: See, the virgin will conceive, have a son, and name him Immanuel. For a child will be born for us, a son will be given to us, and the government will be on his shoulders. He will be named Wonderful Counsellor; Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace.” Isaiah 7:14, 9:6 HCSB
The Hope of the ancient Israelites was fulfilled with the birth of Jesus. Many of that time missed His coming. Our present Hope is evermore with Jesus. Don’t miss it!
Illuminate the candle of Hope in your home.
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel
Shall be born for thee, O Israel!
Amen