Advent: Finding Hope in our Uncertainties

People were everywhere.

A weary young man trudged through the crowd where she waited. Frustrated, he shook his head as he drew near.

No room, he whispered. But there is one option. Carefully, he led the donkey down the way a bit, the creature that carried his very pregnant wife. 

Here, in this place. Animal sounds and smells struck their senses. He reached her and led her inside. Worry filled him, wondering if she’d be okay. If the baby would be okay.

His wife sensed his concern. The Mighty One sees us. He knows. She gripped his arm as another pain struck. It won’t be long now.

Jesus. The man remembered the name the angel spoke to him in his dream. The memory still evoked wonder, awe, and, if he were honest, a bit of fear. 
Do not be afraid, he whispered, repeating the words the angel said. Do not be afraid, he said again as he prepared the straw. Do not be afraid, he declared as he helped his wife. Do not be afraid, he encouraged as her body did as it was created to do. Do not be afraid, he announced as he held the tiny baby in his arms.

Do not be afraid.

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Fear

We’ve all felt it., that sinking sense of dread. In fact, fear, and its cousin —uncertainty, seem to be constant guests in many homes throughout the world these days. Scroll through social media, listen to the news, talk with a neighbor (6 ft apart, of course), and you are likely to hear stories that spark that uncomfortable feeling in the pit of our stomachs reminding us that life is simply not right: a global pandemic, separation from loved ones during holidays, loss of jobs, of businesses, of normalcy, of stability . . . of hope.

I suspect those alive before Jesus’ birth felt much the same way. The Jewish people had been waiting for a very long time. It’d been over 400 years since they last heard a word from God, and during those 400 years, life continued on.

Life filled with worry.

Life filled with fear.

Life filled with uncertainty. 

Life without hope. Would the Savior arrive? Would God be faithful to keep His promise?

Thousands of years may separate us, but the human heart is the same: fear strangles and, if we’re not diligent, fear can silence what we need most: hope.

What is hope? More specifically, what is biblical hope? Wishful thinking? An intense longing or desire?

Biblical hope is the confident assurance that God is faithful to do what He says He’s going to do. Scripture is filled with stories of God’s faithfulness, but we see it most clearly in the person of Jesus. Jesus is the fulfillment of the promise His Father made to restore us.

Hope

This isn’t merely a hope that life here on earth will one day get better —though that is reasonable to desire. No, true biblical hope helps us shift our gaze from the uncertainties of this world and fix them firmly on Jesus. Biblical hope reminds us that He not only rescued us from the penalty of sin, He not only conquered death, but He is also preparing a place for us and will one day return for us so we might live with Him forever.

As we enter into this Christmas season, may this confident assurance of God’s faithfulness thrill us. May the thrill of this hope then soothe our weary souls. May the wonder of Christ’s birth, the hope born two thousand years ago, grant us peace to face the uncertainties of today and trust in the security found in Him for our future.

And when the wave of worry sweeps over us, may we repeat the words the angel said that night so long ago . . . do not be afraid. Hope has been born, and His name is Jesus.

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Call to Action

Pray and reflect on the following passages this week:

Isaiah 9:2 (NIV) “The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned.”

Isaiah 9:6 (NIV) “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”

Luke 2:9-11 (NIV) “An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.”

Colossians 1:27 (NIV) “To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.”

Reflection –thoughts to ponder

1. What worries or uncertainties are you currently facing?
2. How do you typically respond to those worries?
3. What does biblical hope mean to you?
4. How can embracing Biblical hope this Christmas not only grow your faith, but encourage you to press on during times of uncertainty?
5. What is one way can you keep this idea of Biblical hope in front of you during this Christmas season? How can you live out the hope you have in Jesus?

**This post was originally written for Centralia Community Church’s blog: Beyond Sunday**