Hope sometimes feels wishful, like crossing our fingers and dreaming of a good outcome. Today, we are all hoping for different things – some important, some less so – in this wishful, it may or may not happen way. Each year I hope the Newcastle Knights will win the NRL – and I know how wishful that thinking is!
In churches across the world today candles will be lit as the season of Advent begins, as we prepare anew to celebrate the birth of Jesus. The first Advent candle lit today represents hope. And how our world desperately yearns for a hope that is authentic, transformative, sustaining and life-giving. Not mere wishful feelings or optimistic thinking – but substantive and sustaining. I know how much I need this anchored hope afresh in my life, in a world that seems overwhelming at times.
Advent invites us to reflect on this different kind of hope, rooted in God’s unchanging character, love, compassion and faithfulness, and the promise that God is restoring our broken world.
Bishop Desmond Tutu captured this truth so beautifully: “Hope is being able to see that there is always light despite the darkness”.
Yes, our world is messy and chaotic. We see hurt, injustice, brokenness and pain – across the street and around the world. You may feel very stretched today. Life may be hard. Advent hope – anchored in Jesus – isn’t blind to the real world. Rather it points us anew to the light of Jesus – to goodness, peace, kindness, mercy, hospitality, generosity, justice, joy, community, beauty – all that is good in our world.
Tutu knew well the darkness, injustice and brokenness of the world – but he passionately and persistently lived in a way that declared this is not the way it will always be! He pursued shalom. He shone the light of Jesus. He lived as a beacon of hope.
And here is the beautiful and challenging invitation as we light the candle of hope today. [You can light one in your house today.] We are reminded that hope has come, that hope is here, that is hope is coming – that hope has a name – Jesus.
Today, ordinary people around the globe, will look again at the hope candle. They will be reminded – as well all are – that they are not alone. Christ has come! Hope has a name.
And then this – we are sent from candle gazing back into local communities to live as hope bearers, as shalom seekers. As I move across the world, I delight in seeing Tutu’s picture of hope coming to life as ordinary women and men get their hands dirty in their cities, towns, and villages living as the hands and feet of Jesus.
Goodness, peace, kindness, mercy, hospitality, generosity, justice, joy, community, beauty – all that is good in our world – comes to life through people, who haven’t got it all together, but who desire to live and love more like Jesus. Maybe like me, you need to take hold of substantive and sustaining hope afresh today – and then be reminded that this week you can bring light in places that often seem dark!
apilgrimpens 