Introduction To Advent
Written by Jared Stevens, published November 2022.
The time of Advent is upon us. As we enter into this season of preparation and waiting, we look ahead with eager anticipation to the arrival of Jesus’ birth. This fourteen-part devotional series will focus on the theme of hope found in the book of Hebrews. Several of our talented writers at Paradox share their thoughts on the various types of hope as we walk through each chapter in Hebrews.
This devotional series is based on the PRDX365 reading plan for this year (available on the Paradox Church app; hard copies are available at the church office). Each day will have devotional thoughts on each chapter of Hebrews, along with points for consideration, discussion, and journaling. My hope is that these daily devotionals will illuminate you to the paradox of patient celebration. In the days leading up to Christmas, let us celebrate the hope we now have through the incarnation of Jesus, the greatest gift ever given to the world. Let us also consider the longing in our hearts as we wait for Jesus to come again. There is something special about posturing our hearts to the hope we have in Jesus through His birth, while waiting with that same hope for His return. Whether you are in a season of waiting or celebration, let us find our hope in the one who can truly satisfy us, wherever we are.
Tomorrow Allison Ross will begin our Advent devotional through Hebrews chapter one as we will look at the theme of hope in a Son. Today, let us look at the words of a prophet who revealed glimpses of hope in a coming Messiah. One could say the people of Israel were in their own season of Advent as they were awaiting a coming Savior to reverse the curse in Genesis 3 and reconcile the people back to a right relationship with God. Isaiah prophesied a redemptive hope to the righteous remnant in Judah saying, “The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light…For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace,” (Isa 9:2-6). The arrival of a coming Messiah is the light that shines forth into the darkened hearts of sinful man. Hope is coming, as it will be found in the form of a baby, who will usher in a Kingdom of peace. But this child will not arrive for hundreds of years. Jesus did not arrive without a wait. Isaiah called the people to this patient celebration, and the same principle speaks to us today. As we patiently wait for Christ’s return to make all things new, we can celebrate the birth of our Savior two-thousand years ago who fills us with all hope as we long for His return. So no matter what season life currently has you in, let us cling to the hopeful words of Isaiah and allow the light of the World to shine in our hearts and lead us forth in hopeful expectation.
As we embark in this Advent devotional series my prayer for us is, “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit” (Rom 15:13).
Question for Consideration:
What are you hopeful for? Are there any areas where you are experiencing hopelessness?