Advent: Hope

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"For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age, waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ."

Titus 2:11-12, ESV

Squirrel hopes for a lot of things. He hopes that when he begs he will get some of my snack. He hopes that I will drop something from the counter. He hopes that I won't see him steal a mitten. He hopes we're going to the pet store for a toy, not to get his nails clipped.

Unfortunately, most of those hopes are dashed. Don't pity him; he lives a charmed life (could I too have the burden of someone who makes all my meals, cleans-up after me, buys me toys, and pays for all of my bills?!). But there are many things he hopes for that he won't get.

Many of the hopes that I bring to God won't be met. I know that doesn't really fit with the whole "God's never gonna let me down" lyric that's found its way into just above every modern worship song. Whether or not God "lets you down" really depends on YOUR expectations. And if you expect God to give you every promotion, car, desire, dream you pray for...you're going to struggle with your faith.

When we hope for the right things, though, it's more than hope. It's a guarantee. God promised Israel a coming savior, a Messiah. There were centuries that passed before it was fulfilled, but what God promises, God completes. It was in a way that no one could have ever guessed - a deity in the form of a baby, wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manager.

In our broken world plagued with injustice, lies, and uncertainly, we have a promise that the same awaited Messiah - Jesus Christ - will come again and put all things right. And what God promises, God completes.

This Christmas season, watch the news. Stay informed. Help where you can. Work to see the Kingdom of Heaven revealed on earth. That is our calling! But do so with hope. The hope that God has not abandoned us to our mess and will return as the rightful king and ruler of the earth. Live your life in such a way that people wonder how can you find such assurance in a world where nothing is certain. And when they ask, say:

"Only because of Jesus!"