The special season of advent begins November 27. It is a joyful time of preparation for the coming of Christ.  During our worship service, we’ll be lighting the first advent candle, the candle of hope.  

Hope

What do you hope for? Perhaps it’s good health, healing, a (new) job, salvation for loved ones, an opportunity, mending a broken relationship, or happiness.

The word hope in the New Testament is from the Greek word ‘elpis’. According to Strong’s Concordance, elpis means expectation, trust, and confidence. It comes from the root word elpo, which means to anticipate (with pleasure) and to welcome.

New Testament scholar and pastor, John Piper, tells us that hope is the desire for something good in the future.  He goes on to say that “Biblical hope not only desires something good for the future — it expects it to happen.  And it not only expects it to happen — it is confident that it will happen. There is a moral certainty that the good we expect and desire will be done.”

What does the Bible say?

  • Hope is not just wishful thinking or having a positive attitude. Hope can be an expectation and anticipation that rests in what we believe. “And now, Lord, for what do I wait? My hope is in You. Psalm 39:7
  • Hope has rewards and blessings. Romans 15:13 says, Hope gives us joy and peace: Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit (Romans 15:13)
  • Hope gives us strength and courage. Be strong and let your heart take courage, All you who hope in the Lord. (Psalm 31:24)
  • Hope is also comfort, confidence: O my people, trust in him at all times. Pour out your heart to him, for God is our refuge. Psalm 62:8, NLT

Savor the Season of Advent

To help you pause during and savor advent with intentionality, we’re offering two resources for you and your family:

  1. The CCC Family Advent Booklet
  2. Illustrated Advent for Families by Illustrated Ministry

You can access these resources in the online Family Ministry Parent Folder/Advent (the link is provided in the Community News e-news).  

We hope that you’ll utilize these advent resources and savor the season of advent.

In Christ,

Peggy Kelly
Family Ministry Director

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