Hope — where is it in our 2015 world of bombings, shootings, ethnic battles and racial prejudice?

Where is it in lives of folks experiencing loss of good health, disappointments in broken relationships, 

unfulfilled expectations, loss of a job,

death of a friend, spouse or child?

When God seems so distant and unreachable?

When you are tired and worn with the weight and discouragement of circumstances?

When fear, anger, stress and worry invade thoughts?

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Our HOPE is in Jesus - the Son of God.  His arrival was anticipated for so long. He came so unpretentiously. He brought amazing, life-changing, hope-filling news. 

Welcome to Advent, the time of

 waiting, anticipating and preparing

for Jesus' coming at Christmas.

Preparation for the short term

involves stuff like planing our gifts, ordering our cards, 

making our home festive.

On a deeper level, it is preparing my self, my heart, to welcome Jesus.

This preparing happens over the long-term by becoming familiar with HisStory; returning often to read the Bible making a well used path through its pages.

Seek Jesus to anchor your HOPE in him.

You see, there is nothing we have experienced

that Jesus has not experienced.

Isaiah tells us

 ... Unto us a child was born ... 

he grew up, endured hurt, sadness, pain and rejection.

He was despised, shunned and killed, but the story does not end there.

God's plan was being revealed. Death, the grave, darkness and sin were conquered.

Through Jesus' death and resurrection 

He showed his righteousness, incomprehensible greatness,

his power and authority over sin, death and darkness.

This great love was for us.

Isaiah continues describing Jesus ... he is called

Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace

Isaiah 9:2-7

We have HOPE because he is who he says he is.

In him we have a future with HOPE.

Jeremiah 29:11

We have HOPE because we can call out to him

in our need and find that he is with us.

Isaiah 41:10

We have HOPE because we can trust him.

He will take away our fear, be our light, salvation and stronghold.

Psalm 27:1-6

I hope your adventure with Jesus brings

deeper understanding of the HOPE we have in him.

May the God of Hope fill you

with all joy and peace in believing

so that by the power of the Holy Spirit

you may

abound in hope.

Romans 15:13