Welcome to Day 2519 of Wisdom-Trek. Thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

Day 2519 – First Week of Advent – Living in Hope, Daily

Putnam Church Message – 12/01/2024

Living in Hope, Daily

Last week, we celebrated Thanksgiving in a message titled “A Heart of Gratitude, daily,” from Psalm 100

This week is the First Sunday of Advent: “The Candle of Hope” in a message titled “Living in Hope, Daily.” During the weeks of Advent, I want to slow life down a bit so we can truly take time to reflect on the purpose of the Advent season. I will also tie in some Christmas traditions in each message so we can reflect on the meaning of some traditions we practice during this blessed time.

Opening Prayer:
Heavenly Father, we come to You with open hearts as we enter into this season of Advent, where we celebrate the anticipation of Your Son, our Savior. Today, as we focus on the hope that is found only in You, fill our hearts with expectation. Let us be reminded of Your promises and the faithfulness You’ve shown throughout all generations. May the words we hear today stir a deeper longing for You and Your presence in our lives. In Jesus’s name, we pray, Amen.

Introduction: The Season of Advent and the Theme of Hope

Today marks the beginning of Advent, a season that draws us into the story of Christ’s coming. Advent is a time of waiting, of expectation, and of preparation. This period represents the hope that the world held before Christ came for the first time as a human to initiate God’s kingdom, and the hope that we, as His people, hold as we look forward to His second coming when He will finalize God’s kingdom on earth, the new Global Eden.

Today, we lit the first candle of the Advent wreath, known as the Candle of Hope. In lighting it, we remember that our hope isn’t rooted in anything temporary or uncertain. Our hope is in Jesus Christ, who came once to save us and will come again to restore all things. (Bulletin Insert)

1. What is Hope? – A Biblical Perspective

In our world today, hope can often feel like a faint wish or something uncertain. We say, “I hope it won’t rain,” or “I hope I get that job.” But biblical hope is much more than wishful thinking; it’s a confident expectation based on God’s promises and character.

Let’s look at the words of the prophet Isaiah, who lived centuries before Jesus was born, yet spoke words that still give us hope today.

Scripture Reading: Isaiah 9:2, 6-7 (NLT)
“The people who walk in darkness will see a great light. For those who live in a land of deep darkness, a light will shine… For a child is born to us, a son is given to us. The government will rest on his shoulders. And he will be called: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. His government and its peace will never end. He will rule with fairness and justice from the throne of his ancestor David for all eternity.”

Isaiah speaks to a people walking in darkness, promising them a great light. He points to the coming of Jesus as the hope that would break into the world, overcoming all darkness. This is the foundation of biblical hope: the absolute assurance that God will fulfill His promises.

Illustration: The Hope of a Farmer

Think of a farmer who plants seeds. He doesn’t see any growth immediately; in fact, he sees nothing but soil for weeks. But he waters, nurtures, and waits. His hope is rooted in the knowledge that a harvest will come. In the same way, our hope in God grows as we place our trust in Him, even when we can’t see the immediate results.

Illustration: The Anchor of Hope

Imagine a boat anchored in the harbor. Though winds may blow and waves crash, the anchor keeps it steady and secure. Hebrews 6:19 (NLT) says, “This hope is a strong and trustworthy anchor for our souls.” Our hope is anchored in Jesus, holding us steady, regardless of the storms around us.

Memorable Point: Hope isn’t wishful thinking—it’s a confident expectation rooted in God’s promises.

2. Jesus: The Fulfillment of Hope

As we journey through the Old Testament, we find a long history of people waiting for the promised Messiah. God promised Abraham a nation, David a kingdom, and He promised a Savior through the prophets. Each generation waited with hope.

When Jesus came, that hope was fulfilled. In John 1:14 (NLT), we read, “So the Word became human and made his home among us. He was full of unfailing love and faithfulness.” Jesus didn’t just speak of hope; He embodied it. In coming to earth, He gave us a tangible reminder of God’s faithfulness.

Object Lesson: The Gift of Hope

Hold up a wrapped gift. Imagine this gift represents hope, something beautiful that God has given us. But for it to benefit us, we must receive it. Just as we receive and open gifts, we must receive and open the gift of hope that Jesus offers.

Story: The Hope in a Christmas Carol

One of the most beloved Christmas traditions is singing carols. Have you ever wondered how the song O Holy Night came about? This powerful song speaks of “ a thrill of hope” in a weary world. It was written by a French poet, Placide Cappeau, and set to music in the 1800s. During the Franco-Prussian War, a French soldier began singing it on Christmas Eve, and soon, soldiers on both sides joined him, putting down their weapons in a moment of shared hope and peace.

The song speaks of Jesus as the world’s true hope, breaking the chains of oppression and bringing peace. This tradition reminds us that, even in the darkest times, the light of Christ’s hope shines brightly.

Memorable Point: Jesus is not just the reason for the season—He is the fulfillment of humanity’s deepest hope.

3. Hope for Today’s Darkness

While we celebrate that Jesus brought hope, we still live in a world with pain, injustice, and struggle. Advent is a reminder that the story is not over. We live in the “already, but not yet” of God’s kingdom—Jesus has come as a human to initiate, but we still await His return to finalize God’s kingdom as a Global Eden.

Romans 15:13 (NLT) gives us this powerful reminder: “I pray that God, the source of hope, will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in him. Then you will overflow with confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit.”

Paul tells us that God is the source of our hope. In a world that feels increasingly uncertain, our hope is anchored in something that will never change: God’s character and His promises.

Illustration: The Christmas Tree and Everlasting Hope

The Christmas tree tradition has been associated with hope and life in the darkest season of winter. In early Christian Germany, people decorated trees with candles, apples, and wafers to symbolize Christ and eternal life. The evergreen tree remains green all year, symbolizing everlasting life in Jesus, even when the world around us appears barren.

When we look at our Christmas tree this season, we can remember the hope of eternal life and God’s unchanging promises, as vibrant and alive as the evergreen that stands through the coldest winter. Memorable Point: Our hope isn’t in the temporary; it’s in the eternal promises of God.

4. The Power of Hope in Difficult Times

Hope is often most powerful in our most challenging moments. When the Israelites were exiled, they clung to God’s promise of deliverance. When we face hardship, we, too, are called to hold fast to hope.

In Psalm 42:5 (NLT), the psalmist asks, “Why am I discouraged? Why is my heart so sad? I will put my hope in God! I will praise him again—my Savior and my God!” When we feel downcast, we can choose to anchor ourselves in God’s hope.

Story: Hope on the Battlefield

During World War II, a chaplain shared stories of hope and encouragement with soldiers amid combat during the Christmas season. One day, when the soldiers were struggling to keep going, he shared Isaiah’s prophecy of a coming Savior who would bring peace. That reminder of God’s faithfulness uplifted their spirits, giving them the courage to face each day.

Like those soldiers, we can find hope even in our darkest moments, knowing that God’s promises will come to pass.

Memorable Point: Hope shines brightest in our darkest times.

5. How We Can Live Out Hope During Advent

As we celebrate this Advent season, let’s remember that hope is not just something we receive but something we share.

1 Peter 3:15 (NLT) says, “And if someone asks about your hope as a believer, always be ready to explain it.” During this season, we have an incredible opportunity to share the hope of Jesus with those around us.

Object Lesson: Passing the Flame of Hope

During our Christmas Eve service, we have a simple candlelighting ceremony. As the first candle is lit, it is passed to each person to light their candle. One small flame can light countless others without ever diminishing, symbolizing how hope spreads. Our hope in Christ is a light that can be shared without losing its strength.

Memorable Point: Hope grows stronger when it is shared.

Practical Application: Living in Hope Daily (Bulletin Insert)

So, what does it mean to live with hope? How can we practice hope, especially when life feels heavy?

1. Remember God’s Promises Daily: Write down one Scripture each morning that reminds you of God’s faithfulness. Place it where you’ll see it often.
2. Pray with Hope: As you pray, don’t just tell God your needs. Thank Him for the hope He gives, and ask Him to fill you with peace.
3. Be Hope for Others: Think of someone who could use encouragement this week. Write them a card, call them, or even pray with them. As you share hope, you’ll find your own hope growing stronger.

Story: Hope Found in Giving

During a particularly tough season, a single mother was struggling financially and emotionally. A friend brought her groceries and, along with them, a handwritten note of encouragement. The mother later said that the gift reminded her of God’s love in a way she had never experienced before. That small act of kindness reignited hope in her life. This Christmas, let’s look for ways to share God’s love with others, spreading hope in small but powerful ways.

Conclusion: The Hope of Advent and Our Future in Christ

As we close, remember that the hope of Advent is a reminder that God is faithful. He was faithful in the past by sending Jesus to redeem us, and He will be faithful in the future when Jesus returns to make all things new.

This Advent season, may our hearts be filled with a renewed sense of expectation. May we look forward, not only to celebrating Jesus’ birth but also to the day when He will come again.

Takeaway for the Week:

Each morning this week, meditate on Isaiah 9:2: “The people who walk in darkness will see a great light.” You are the light in someone else’s life. Let it remind you of the light and hope that Jesus brings. Pray for someone in your life who needs hope, and look for a way to encourage them. Let’s remember that the hope we have in Christ is not just for us—it’s a gift we can share, one small light at a time.

Hope is alive because Jesus is alive. May we carry this truth with us this Advent season, lighting the way for others to see His love and faithfulness.

Final Prayer:
Lord, thank You for the gift of hope we find in You. May this Advent season be a time of renewed faith and trust in Your promises. Help us to carry this hope into each day and share it with those around us. Strengthen us to be lights in a world that so desperately needs to see Your love. We thank You, Lord, for the hope that never fades, because it is rooted in You. In Jesus’s name, we pray, Amen.

Next week is the second Sunday of Advent, and our focus will be; “Living In Peace Daily.”  Please invest time in reading Isaiah 9:6-7 in preparation for the message.