Hope

Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful.
Hebrews 10:23 (NIV)

I like to describe myself as a realist – not a negative person, but also not one of those delightfully cheerful persons brimming with positive vibes. “Hope for the best and prepare for the worst” is my style, with some just-in-case arrangements for when things don’t work out. I’m known to arrive at the airport hours early, make back-up plans, or complete all the jobs myself. And teamwork is the worst: it’s not that I don’t like other people, it’s just that I don’t expect them to come through on their commitments. When it comes to people, I am distinctly lacking in hope, a lifetime habit bolstered by the assumption that someone is going to let me down, and I might as well be ready for it.

Depending on Christ is very different. In the preceding verses of Hebrews 10, Paul claims confidence in the full assurance of salvation in Jesus Christ: Christ has died, Christ is risen, Christ intercedes on our behalf before the throne of God. Paul doesn’t need a back-up plan because our salvation plan was made by a God who does not waver, does not back out at the last moment, who always follows through. It’s not just a wish, but a full confidence in God’s saving love because God is faithful in all his promises.

Each Advent season, we celebrate the promises from the Old Testament that are fulfilled in Christ. As we await the coming of the Christ child, we know that our hope is not expectant, not waiting, not still just hoping that God is going to come through on his promises to us. Our hope is a celebration of what was promised and is already fulfilled: our God is faithful. He always comes through.

Thought for the Day: Our hopes are fulfilled because God is faithful.

Prayer: Our great God, in this season of waiting, we celebrate the good news of the coming Christ child and proclaim the fulfillment of our hope. Forgive us our doubts, and remind us of your faithfulness in all things. Amen.

Sarah Brosvic, church musician