God of Hope Fill You

Tomorrow we will light the candle of “Advent Peace.” Today is the last day of “Advent Hope,” but not the last of Hope. Hope will only leave us when we are safely home and no longer need it.

Hope is an abiding friend. When everything else is gone, God’s Word says, “Now abides faith, hope and love.” We know well those sinking moments when all seemed lost, yet as much as we wanted to, we did not give up.

Have you ever had a tiny slither of glass in your skin that was too small to find, but would not let you forget that it was there? A slither of hope will keep reminding us “Immanuel,” God is with us.

Hope is a wrestler who will not give up. The hymn says, “With Thee all night I mean to stay, and wrestle till the break of day?” Try giving up on hope, and it will fight to stay. Even if you turn and walk away from hope, it tags along behind like a puppy that is waiting for the smallest opportunity to come back.

Hope is not something that we can make happen. It is not like a goal that we set; or a resolution we keep. “Our hope is built on nothing less than Jesus’ blood and righteousness.” Above all things, hope reminds us that in life, or death, or life beyond death we have a friend in Jesus, and we will make it!

“So, when the tests and trials, may seem to get you down.
And all your friends and loved ones are nowhere to be found.
Remember there’s a friend in Jesus, who will wipe your tears away,
And if your heart is broken, just lift your hands and say:

‘I know that I can make it,
I know that I can stand,
No matter what may come my way,
My life is in your hands.”

Grace and Peace, Rev Ray“….The religious crucify their friends when they refuse to play their games.”— Rayan“…Too long have I lived among those who hate peace. I am for peace; but when I speak, they are for war.” Psalm 120: 7

This morning the Advent Candle of Peace burns alongside the candle of Hope. Together they punch a bigger hole in the darkness.

The psalmist wanted peace, but others seemed determined to have war. “Blessed are the Peacemakers; they shall be called the children of God.” Peacemakers in any situation have a difficult and dangerous work. Jesus died to bring us peace that is not like this world understands peace. When we take hold of it our hearts lay down their troubled spirit, and fear must leave.

Jesus prayed for those who follow him because he understands what it is like to love in a world where hate is strong, to serve people who bite the hands that give them bread, and where the religious crucify their friends when they refuse to play their games.

When we cry for peace, and there is no peace that we can see, remember that Jesus is: “The Prince of Peace.” The child in the manger came to bring us a great gift: “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.”

“And in despair I bowed my head:
“There is no peace on earth,” I said,
“For hate is strong, and mocks the song,
Of peace on earth, good will to men.”

Then pealed the bells more loud and deep:
“God is not dead, nor does He sleep,
For Christ is here; His Spirit near,
Brings peace on earth, good will to men.”

“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