First Sunday of Advent – The Light of Hope

  
If you’re not familiar with the term Advent, it simply means “coming.” From the Latin “Adventus” it translates a Greek word that was used in anticipation of Jesus’ return at the end of days. So, Advent is a season for looking ahead … but it has also been used to remember the great expectation that preceded the coming of the Messiah to a lowly manger.  Many Christians celebrate the season with the use of an Advent Wreath. Each candle represents a different aspect of the Christmas story.
 
This morning, the Candle of Hope has been lit. This first candle is symbolic of the long years of waiting and hoping for God’s promised Savior to come. God’s prophets kept reminding the people to look forward to the coming of Messiah,  who was to redeem the people from their sins. The Hebrew word for Jesus means “salvation.” In Bethlehem, long ago, Jesus Messiah came just as He promised. This candle reminds us that our hope is in the God who keeps His word.
 
“When the time had fully come, God sent his Son.” Galatians 4:4 
 
“The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned … For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. The zeal of the Lord Almighty will accomplish this.”  Isaiah 9:2, 6–7
 
 

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