“For unto us a child is born, unto us a Son is given; and the government shall be upon His shoulder, and His name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” Isaiah 9:6 (NKJV)
It’s December 1, and I’m still riding my bike in shorts. I hope it snows soon, as my local ski hill is looking pretty barren. Last year, we were skiing powder on Thanksgiving. This year I did a trail run. I know we’re in a drought, but I really, really hope it snows soon.
We hope for things all the time. Now God doesn’t promise us epic snow, but he does give us promises that we have to wait and hope for. When Isaiah wrote the prophecy about the birth of the Messiah, it took 700 years before Jesus was finally born. 700 years of no powder days…that’s a long time.
During the season of Advent that we just entered, in some traditions HOPE is the first candle lit. We have HOPE for the Messiah, HOPE for renewal. Hope is a long term plan – it keeps us going knowing that God will fulfill his promises. As New Testament believers, we know Jesus came to fulfill Isaiah’s prophecy, and we can view the Advent Hope candle as a fulfillment of that promise as we wait for the second arrival of Jesus. (Advent is derived from “coming” or “arrival” in Latin.)
I’m going to keep praying and hoping for snow this season, but I know that God has greater promises, and that it doesn’t have to be a powder day in order for us to be a light on the hill.
Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us. (Romans 5:5 NKJV)
Challenge
- What in your heart of hearts are you hoping for from God right now?
- Advent is a season of contemplation. Spend some time in prayer thanking God for the hope he gives and the promises in your life he has fulfilled.
By Jessica Downing | Salida, CO