When you think about hope, it is not very hard to think of many different sources for hope. We can find hope in our work or the work of others to make the world a better place. We can discover hope in the inspirational words of leaders, teachers, and preachers.
But there is something unique about the hope that comes from Christ. In Christ we find that God does not stay far away from humanity, but becomes a part of us. This hope assures us that in the midst of our lives and world, God will be near to us. In Advent we wait in this hope and discover anew how God has been, is, and will be near to us.
When you are ready, click on “The Word of God” below for today's scripture and then continue to follow the remaining steps of the devotion.
"And you, child, will be called the prophet of the Most High; for you will go before the Lord to prepare his ways, to give knowledge of salvation to his people by the forgiveness of their sins. By the tender mercy of our God, the dawn from on high will break upon us, to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace."
Luke 1:76-79
Have you ever thought of yourself as a prophet? I had not thought of myself that way until I was praying this Scripture with a priest friend of mine. He turned to me and said “Andrew, you will be called a prophet of the Most High.” I did not know what to say or even think. He told me that each Christian is called to share God’s love, forgiveness, and hope with others, and this makes us each a prophet.
I still am not always comfortable being called a prophet, but I think it is true of each Christian. We each have a role in sharing God’s hope in the world. How do you share God’s hope and forgiveness with others?
Andrew Kellner
God, it is not always easy being a prophet. Help me to forgive others and to share with them your hope. Help me to listen to the other prophets around me. Amen.
Look for hope today.
Look for hope on the faces of the people you meet.
Look for hope in the midst of pain.
Give hope to those you meet and be Christ in the world.