Hope
By Betty Hertz, St. John Lay Leader
O house of Jacob,
come, let us walk
in the light of the Lord!
Isaiah 2:5
We spoke Isaiah’s words on Sunday in the Call to Worship. They are part of his message of hope at the beginning of Chapter 2—words of peace throughout the world.
Then, as Pastor Autumn lit the Advent Candle of Hope, she shared these words:
“We remember that Your light pierces the darkness and brings hope to all who trust in You.”
As I pondered these words, I reflected on times in my life when I have groaned at hearing the word “hope." When I didn’t feel hope. When life felt dark, even with my eyes open. When I didn’t remember, or didn’t want to believe, that God’s light would pierce my darkness. I realized during these times of hopelessness, I didn’t trust “this too shall pass, and life will be better.”
I didn’t trust the words Julian of Norwich heard Jesus say,
“I am able to make everything well,
I shall make everything well."
My view of hope was one of doubt and lack of trust in God. But Advent hope reminds me to believe that God always keeps His promises. As I face the unknown, God will provide for my needs. He will bring me inner peace despite my present circumstances.
When I hear God say, “I will be with you as you journey through darkness and with you as darkness turns to light,“ I have hope.
God of hope,
Thank you for the assurance today that because you are God and Jesus is Lord, all will be well. Help us experience this Advent journey with hope and confident expectations.
In the name of Jesus, the Prince of Peace, Amen.