Rev. Ray and Pat Amos
Advent Hope in Christ: Grace, Contentment, and the Kingdom of God
“…set your hope on the grace to be brought to you when Jesus Christ is revealed at his coming.” 1 Peter 1:13
Advent Hope in Christ – Grace, Contentment, and the Kingdom of God
The fellowship was joyful as friends testified of answered prayers and the faithfulness of God. There was not one complaint or critically spoken word. These dear ones were standing in a food line. Hard times were a large part of their life, yet they had found in their lack a kind of goodness that we often lose in our abundance.
This is Tuesday, the week of Advent Hope. This hope is never just “My Hope,” but always “Our Hope Together.” Our God of unsearchable riches was also a poor baby in a manger of hay; and we sing, “The Hopes and fears of all the years are met in Thee tonight.”
Luke wrote, “Blessed are the poor, for yours is the kingdom of God.” This was in no way an unsympathetic statement, but a reality that we often see. The kingdom of God has never been about the stuff we gain in life. We live in a world where some get the lion’s share of wealth and daily supply, while others get little or none. The kingdom of God is about how followers of Christ live together in such a world.
My friends in the food line were wealthier than some who had plenty. They did not look in their own cabinets for daily bread, but trusted the one who told us all, rich and poor, to pray, “Give us this day our daily bread.”
We learn Heaven’s ways while living earthly life. Paul wrote, “I have learned how to be content with whatever I have. I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little. For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.” Philippians 4:11-13.
“With feet to take me where I’d go,
With eyes to see the sunset’s glow,
With ears to hear what I should know:
I’m blessed indeed. The world is mine:
Oh, God, forgive me when I whine.”
Grace and Peace, Rev Ray
