Advent Devotion, Day 6
December 6th
“The hopes and fears of all the years are met in thee tonight”
These words from the carol, “O Little Town of Bethlehem,” capture two different reactions to the coming of Christ. Those who turn away from the Lord may rightly fear his coming and judgment. On the other hand, those who receive the Christ, watching for his coming, can see his arrival as the fulfillment of hope. God’s promises are met in Jesus.
The Apostle Paul calls Christ Jesus our hope (1 Timothy 1:1). Jesus came as the fulfillment of hope. His gracious presence with us today sustains us in hope. And, trusting God, we continue to hope in his final return and a joyful, blessed life in his presence forever.
Simon Peter describes the reason for our hope in Christ saying,
“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Because of his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead and into an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you. You are being guarded by God’s power through faith for a salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time.” - 1 Peter 1:3–5
The birth of the Messiah certainly fulfills hope, because it was the beginning of something more.
He comes to redeem the world from sin and death, dying and rising so we may have life. His resurrection gives us new life. We are born again through that resurrection! Through his work, we are now children of God and heirs of heaven. Not only that, but God also guards our faith with his power to ensure we receive that inheritance. That is the firm ground of hope!
Personal Reflection:
Do you think that there is a difference between Christian hope and worldly hope? What are some things that distinguishes one from the other?
How does the resurrection of Jesus Christ serve as the foundation of Christian hope?
How do Old Testament prophecies of hope like Isaiah 40:31 or Jeremiah 29:11 point to the fulfillment found in Christ?
Prayer Prompt:
Ask the Lord to not only fill you with hope today but to also give you an opportunity to share that hope with someone else.
These words from the carol, “O Little Town of Bethlehem,” capture two different reactions to the coming of Christ. Those who turn away from the Lord may rightly fear his coming and judgment. On the other hand, those who receive the Christ, watching for his coming, can see his arrival as the fulfillment of hope. God’s promises are met in Jesus.
The Apostle Paul calls Christ Jesus our hope (1 Timothy 1:1). Jesus came as the fulfillment of hope. His gracious presence with us today sustains us in hope. And, trusting God, we continue to hope in his final return and a joyful, blessed life in his presence forever.
Simon Peter describes the reason for our hope in Christ saying,
“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Because of his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead and into an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you. You are being guarded by God’s power through faith for a salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time.” - 1 Peter 1:3–5
The birth of the Messiah certainly fulfills hope, because it was the beginning of something more.
He comes to redeem the world from sin and death, dying and rising so we may have life. His resurrection gives us new life. We are born again through that resurrection! Through his work, we are now children of God and heirs of heaven. Not only that, but God also guards our faith with his power to ensure we receive that inheritance. That is the firm ground of hope!
Personal Reflection:
Do you think that there is a difference between Christian hope and worldly hope? What are some things that distinguishes one from the other?
How does the resurrection of Jesus Christ serve as the foundation of Christian hope?
How do Old Testament prophecies of hope like Isaiah 40:31 or Jeremiah 29:11 point to the fulfillment found in Christ?
Prayer Prompt:
Ask the Lord to not only fill you with hope today but to also give you an opportunity to share that hope with someone else.
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