The Advent of Hope

Advent = A period of expectant waiting

Did you know that is the primary meaning of "Advent"? We've all been in a state of advent then haven't we? We've all waited with expectation that something good would come...something bad would end...something hard would relent...something painful would cease...something promised would come...we've all waited patiently, with expectation, with faith, with hope, with fear, with wonder, with confusion, with frustration...we've all waited like that at some time in our lives, haven't we?

Joseph and Mary certainly could relate to the concept of a period of expectant waiting. Think about the emotions they must have experienced:
Mary's Fear: How can I be carrying the Son of God? What will people say? Will I be killed?
Joseph's Anger: How could Mary be pregnant and I'm not the father? How could God do this to me?
Confusion: How can any of this really be happening? Why me, why us? Why now?
Along with many, many other emotions and feelings that must have kept them wondering, praying, and seeking answers!

In the midst of this roller coaster of emotions think also about the decisions they made:
Mary: "May it be to me as you have said" - Her words to the angel of the Lord
Joseph: I will still take Mary as my wife - I will do what God's asked me to do

Can you relate to this story? Coming against something in life that causes fear, confusion, wonder, anger. Causing you to make some very difficult decisions. How did you respond to God during these times of your life? Did it resemble Joseph and Mary's response? And yet give special attention to the outcome of Joseph and Mary's actions! New Life! Salvation! Joy! Increased Faith! Peace! HOPE!

A couple of young adults hang in, obey God, endure through very trying, difficult times and the result is that GOD CHANGED THE WORLD THROUGH THEM! Did you hear that? GOD CHANGED THE WORLD THROUGH THEM!

Lord, help us to strive toward lives that are recklessly obedient to You even in the confusing, difficult, trying times! Help us to be carriers of new life to people all around us! Help us to love You so much that when You call we simply say, "May it be to me as You have said"!

Thank you for life...thank you for grace...thank you for love...thank you for Jesus! Help us to wait with expectation to what You are about to do in the world through us! AMEN!

In His Grip,

Pastor John