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"Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful." - Hebrews 10:23

I have such wonderful memories of Christmas as a child. The music, the tree, the lights, the gifts, and, of course, the special German cookies and meals that my mother carefully prepared made Christmas such a unique and special time. I entered each new Christmas season with great hope and expectation, patiently opening the tiny windows on my chocolate Advent calendar and counting down the days until Christmas Eve. My hope was not mere wishful thinking. Rather, it was based on the joy I had experienced in previous Christmases. In other words, reflecting on past celebrations is what gave me hope for each approaching Christmas season. Advent hope works in the same way.

We remember the angel who visited the Virgin Mary and announced the incredible news that she would be the mother of the promised Messiah who was conceived of the Holy Spirit.

Advent is a unique time of reflecting upon the incarnation of Christ our Lord. We remember the angel who visited the Virgin Mary and announced the incredible news that she would be the mother of the promised Messiah who was conceived of the Holy Spirit. We remember Joseph’s dream and the angel who informed him that Mary’s child was the savior of the world who was promised long ago through the prophet Isaiah. We remember the band of angels who announced the goods new of hope and joy and peace for the entire world. We remember the shepherds, the Magi, and grumpy King Herod.

Advent is the celebration of Christ’s birth and God’s faithfulness to do and be all that he promised.

During Advent, we remember and celebrate that through the birth of Christ, God kept his promise to Eve: One day, a child would come and crush the head of the serpent. We remember that God kept his promise to Abraham: Through his family, God would undo the problem of sin and bless all the nations. In other words, Advent is the celebration of Christ’s birth and God’s faithfulness to do and be all that he promised. This is the foundation of Advent hope.

It is only by returning to the glory of the manger to reflect on Christ’s incarnation and God’s promises fulfilled that we can look to the future with genuine biblical hope. When we look to the world, we experience anxiety, darkness, and fear. But when we look to the birth of Christ, we experience hope. His birth reminds us of God’s great faithfulness and love for us.

Liturgy

God of eternal hope,
In grace, you stepped into our world.

Where there is darkness, you bring light.
Where there is deception, you bring truth.
Where there is despair, you bring hope.

We confess that we are often overwhelmed by what is before us.
Tomorrow’s unknowns consume us, and “what ifs” haunt our souls.

But you, Lord God, are the great promise keeper.
You give your word, and you keep your word.

Remind us of the promise given to Abraham,
That you would bless the nations.
Remind us of the prophecy given through Isaiah:
The virgin would conceive, and you would draw near.

Remind us of the manger and the angelic choir which announced your arrival.
Remind us, O God, of your merciful visitation.

Remind us of your past faithfulness, that we may face each day with confidence in your Word and hope for the future.

 It is in Christ’s name that we pray,

Amen