November 30th. Week 1 of Advent: The Hope CandleFinally, the long-awaited promise was born to a young unmarried woman. We can only imagine how Mary and Joseph felt as they anticipated his birth. Their ancestors had been waiting in hope for generations, and now they waited nine months more. In the waiting, Mary’s body is stretched and her energy is depleted. Now, through the pain of childbirth, Jesus’ cries echo in the manger.
This Jesus would grow into exactly who He was promised to be, but it would not be what anyone expected. They believed that God would establish His kingdom on earth. Instead of overthrowing the government, He died on a cross. That is the way with hope: we begin to envision a future that is not yet realized. Once it arrives, it is rarely what we thought it would be. Through His death and resurrection, He would make it possible for everyone to know God and walk with Him. Ultimately, His plan was far greater than what we could imagine.
We can put our hope in what Jesus has done and what He will do. He promises that He will return, restore all creation, and right every wrong. While waiting and hoping, we can rest in this promise.
And again, Isaiah says, “The Root of Jesse will spring up, one who will arise to rule over the nations; in him the Gentiles will hope.” May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. ~ Romans 15:12-13, NIV
She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins. ~ Matthew 1:21, NIV
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Sunday Morning Adult Bible Study – 9:30 am.
Tuesday Ladies Adult Bible Study 10:00 am.The study is located in the Common Room at Aldersgate Lodge.
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