Anticipating Christ: Hope | Resources
Devotional:
One of my favorite Christmas songs is, “O Come O Come Emmanuel.” I’m always intrigued when I hear the notes in the minor key calling out to me with the tension that things are yet to be resolved. The music stands in such sharp contrast to the majestic proclamation of other Christmas songs we sing.
Part of the reason I can relate to the song is the tension I feel in life. Yes, I can majestically proclaim that Jesus has come, he has won the battle, and all the wrongs will be made right. And yet…
Yet today in my own soul I feel this sense that things are unresolved. We see and feel pain, injustice, and division in the world. I rejoice in Christ today, and yet I await the future. I relate to Israel’s longing for Messiah’s coming centuries ago in the song.
I believe this song illustrates biblical hope. I once heard that for hope to be “biblical hope” it has to contain two characteristics: desire and expectancy. Biblical hope is the desire for Christ’s coming, combined with the expectancy and confidence that it will indeed come; just like a bride looking forward to her wedding day.
When times are tough, or the world seems full of darkness, hope shines like a bright light to all in the midst of that darkness. When we feel like we are the ones in “lonely exile” or experiencing the “gloomy clouds of night” as the song states, hope enables us to persevere and endure by the help of the Spirit when our superficial sources of strength fail. Hope grounds us like an anchor regardless of circumstances. Hope enables us to not only endure, but with the elect of the past to “rejoice, rejoice” for Emmanuel will come (again). He will come to those living in the tension of the minor key, awaiting the resolution and peace that will come with his return.
by Mark Larwick
Memory Verse:
“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.” Romans 15:13
Discussion Questions:
What are some things people hope for that can’t fully satisfy them?
What is hope and why is it so important for us to have?
Why is hope the solution to worry? Can you give an example?
What hope does the second coming of Christ offer?
What are some current worries in your life? How does the hope that Christ offers address your current worries?
How can you regularly bring the hope of Christ to your family? Your neighborhood? Your community?