Real Hope-An Advent mediatation

During the last presidential election, one of the candidates campaigned on the themes of both "hope" and "change." These were words that connected with the electorate. There were many people who felt that they needed hope. They had lost hope in both the government and in the direction of the country. They also felt that after the last eight years of the previous administration, change was needed. Each person had their own definition of hope, and the changes that they wanted to see. The candidate who had campaigned on these themes, won the election. People will now sit back and see if he will be able to fulfill these themes.

Here are some questions to be considered. "What if he can't restore hope?" "What if he is unable to bring about change?" These are the desires that are built upon worldly promises. These promises and desires sometimes do not materialize. When most people speak of hope; they do so in a secular sense. Such hopes are not built upon God's promises, but upon human desires. This is like building a house upon quicksand, such hopes can sink and disappear. There is nothing wrong with having hope, however, hope such be built upon a firm foundation. Hope that is built upon Christ Jesus is a firm and sure hope. It is hope that is firm, and is real. Christ fills us both both hope and joy, and such a hope will not fail us. Christian hope does not look to the promises of this world. Christian hope looks to the crib and to the cross. Christian hope looks to the One who is the fulfillment of all hope-Jesus Christ.

There many people today who have lost hope, and their souls are crushed. They do not know where they can turn to find the strength for each new day. Some people try to find comfort and strength by the use of drugs or alcohol. These only causes people to fall further and further into hopelessness. In Psalm 42:11, the psalmist points us to where we can find hope. "Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you disquiet within me? Hope in God;for I shall again praise him, my help and my God." The psalmist points us to the One who is the source of real hope, and who can calm the troubled spirit.

Advent is a season of hope. It points us to the One who is the source of all real hope. God fulfilled his promise of hope and renewal by sending his own dear Son. In this season, we look to the promise fulfilled, and we await with hope and expectation, the Savior's second appearing. Sin and death had crushed our relationship with God, but Jesus came to bring forgiveness and a new relationship with God the Father. He brings hope and change to us. Unlike politicians, He offers real hope and change. He is someone in whom we can truly believe in.

The season of Advent reminds us to keep pressing on in both faith and hope. It points us to the real reason for hope. When challenges and struggles come, continue to look to the Lord. The Lord will provide strength and hope that is sure. Be strong, and never lose doubt His grace. The psalmist encourages us with these words: "Be of good courage, and he shall strengthen your heart, all ye that hope in the Lord." (Psalm 31:24)

There are many people who are looking for both hope and change in their lives. Believers have the opportunity to point them to the one who is the source of both hope and change. In these times, may the Church continue to proclaim the message of the Gospel of Christ. In Christ, there is real hope. Through his Spirit, he changes lives.

May the Lord richly bless you this Advent season. May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in faith. May you press on in hope through the power of the Holy Spirit.(Romans 15:13)

MARANATHA-COME,O LORD! (1 Cor. 16:22)