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.
"Blessed be the Lord God of Israel, for he has looked favorably on his people and redeemed them. He has raised up a mighty savior for us in the house of his servant David, as he spoke through the mouth of his holy prophets from of old, that we would be saved from our enemies and from the hand of all who hate us. Thus he has shown the mercy promised to our ancestors, and has remembered his holy covenant, the oath that he swore to our ancestor Abraham, to grant us that we, being rescued from the hands of our enemies, might serve him without fear, in holiness and righteousness before him all our days."
Luke 1:68-75
I like listening to stories about people’s lives. One of my favorite things to do when I visit my grandma is to listen to her tell stories. She tells the same story more than once and her stories are funny, interesting, and sometimes sad. By listening to them over and over again, I have come to know her more, though.
I think that our faith lives could be strengthened if we listened to the stories of others more. I think that if we shared with each other our stories of how God has acted in our lives, perhaps they would provide us more hope and faith. What story would you share about your faith with others? Who might you share it with?
Andrew Kellner
God, help me to share my story with others. Help me to find the words to express the times I have felt close to you and the times when I have not. Help me to listen to others as well. 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.