Reflections on Hope

Yesterday was the first Sunday in Advent, the beginning of the churches New Year, and a the beginning of a season of preparation to welcome once again the baby Jesus into our midst. I think it is very fitting that the first candle we light on the Advent wreath is the candle of hope. The dictionary definition of hope that I think best fits Advent is "the feeling that what is wanted can be had or that events will turn out for the best." When we hope for something we want it to turn out for the best. The catch is that what we think is "best" may not be what God knows is best for us or for a situation. A prime example is Jesus' death. His followers hoped he would not be crucified and would not die. Yet, God knew that what was best for them, for humanity, was for Jesus to die and rise again.

We all need hope. We all need to know that things will turn out for the best. What does hope look like? For some it may be that glimmer of light at the end of a very dark and scary tunnel that reminds them that this darkness will not overcome us, will not last forever, and things will get better. For some it might be a hug or a smile from a friend or even a stranger that reminds them that they are loved. For others it might be the courage to step out in faith on a new adventure reassured that God will walk with them every step of the way. Hope can take many forms. 

There is a Young Living essential oil called "Hope". In the description of this oil it says that "Hope™ helps you reconnect with feelings of strength and grounding, restoring hope for tomorrow. " This idea of hope really resonates with me. When we have hope, if even for a moment, we have reconnected with our own strength and we become more grounded. We might only feel this strength for a moment if life is really difficult yet each time we feel it, it becomes more familiar. It is kind of like muscle memory. The more we use a muscle in a certain way the easier it become to move in a certain way. It becomes second nature. I think the more we embrace our strength and courage the more grounded we become. The more grounded we become the more we "open" we are to the "joys that lie ahead."

During this season of Advent, may you embrace hope and rediscover the joy that lies ahead embodied in the birth of Jesus Christ.