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.
For surely I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord, plans for your welfare and not for harm, to give you a future with hope. Then when you call upon me and come and pray to me, I will hear you. When you search for me, you will find me; if you seek me with all your heart.
Jeremiah 29:11-13
Have you ever had someone ignore you? All you want is for them to pay attention to you. You want to tell them something; you want them to know you exist! You want them to be kind to you. You may even want them to love you. Being ignored can injure us deeply.
Sometimes I think it is easy to think that God is ignoring us. The fact is that our relationship with God takes time and practice. The more we hang out with a friend, the closer we feel to them. The same is true with God. We need to spend time in prayer, reading the Bible, reflecting and worshiping. A good place to start is where you feel close to God.
Andrew Kellner
God, time is sometimes hard to manage. Help me to make our relationship a priority and help me to find hope in our time together. 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.