The Sunday of Hope

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.
Of the greatness of his government and peace
    there will be no end.
He will reign on David’s throne
    and over his kingdom,
establishing and upholding it
    with justice and righteousness
    from that time on and forever.
The zeal of the Lord Almighty
    will accomplish this. Isaiah 9:6-7 NIV

Long before Jesus was born as a mere baby in a barn, the people of Israel trusted that he would come. They believed God's promises long before anyone saw it come to fruition with their own eyes. The people of Israel had hope.

Today is the first Sunday in Advent. It is the Sunday of hope. The celebration of Messiah's birthday is but a few weeks away. We look for the celebration of his birth even as we wait in hope for him to come again. If the Israelites could wait for generations with confidence in God's promise that he would come to reign over them, we who have been made aware that he has come, ought to be able to live our lives in the confidence; in the hope that he has come, he is here, he will come again.

May God grant us all hope that God is even know accomplishing all things for the good of those who love Him.

God's Peace - Pr. J.