The Candle of Hope

Advent is a period of spiritual preparation when believers humble themselves in repentance and expectation, looking forward to both the birth of Christ (at Christmas), and the manifest reign of Jesus (at His return). 

Advent is a time of hope . . . and also lament. It is a time of tension – Christmas is coming, but not yet. Jesus is coming, but not yet. Even today, though we know many prophecies were fulfilled in Christ’s coming, we ache for His return – for the restoration of all things. Here is an ancient cry of Advent: “O Morning Star, splendor of light eternal and sun of righteousness: Come and enlighten those who dwell in darkness and the shadow of death.”  

Today we light the candle of HOPE.  

This candle symbolizes the tension we wait with. Jesus has come and will come again. The Kingdom is here, but not fully manifest. Seeds of his righteousness are planted, but one day will they bloom in glory.  

“ . . . for the earth will be full of the knowledge of the Lord as the waters cover the sea. In that day, the Root of Jesse will stand as a banner for the peoples; the nations will rally to him, and his place of rest will be glorious.”  

Today, we wait expectantly for Jesus. We worship with oil burning and hearts prepared. We pray into the night for his return. We stand in confidence, knowing one day, he will wipe away every tear. We hold on His promises and to the down payment of HOPE He has given us through the deposit of His Holy Spirit.

Oh come, oh come, Emmanuel!