Introduction to Hope
The first week in Advent we focus on HOPE and will read passages from many of the Old Testament prophets. It is important to remember the circumstances surrounding these scriptures.
The prophets lived hundreds of years before the birth of Jesus and often wrote during the exile. During the exile foreign kings took control and forced most of God’s people to move away from their homes. The Israelites found themselves far from home with people who spoke a different language, ate different food, practiced different customs, and did not worship God. It was a difficult time and there wasn’t much HOPE.
A prophet's job was to share God’s messages, warnings, and reminders with the Israelite people. Prophets told the people to stop sinning and to follow God’s commands.
The prophets also spoke of HOPE. They told of a king who would come one day to save God’s people. They told of a day when the Israelites would feel God’s presence and know He was in control.
HOPE does not mean you are a happy person who always looks on the bright side. HOPE means you are anticipating, you are waiting anxiously, you are expectant.
Advent is a time each year where we join the prophets and wait expectantly for Jesus to come. Each year we choose to HOPE.
