It’s Advent Season already, not a minute too soon. I could use a dose of hope, right now. On a personal note, our pastor is being treated for stage 4 pancreatic cancer. We have the prospect of a presidential election where virtually no one wants either candidate. We have ongoing wars in Ukraine and Israel.

These things are not taking God by surprise, and Advent reminds us that Jesus entered into our pain, coming into a world that was pretty messed up then, too.

Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you in turmoil within me? Hope in God; for I shall again praise him, my salvation and my God. (Psalm 42.11, ESV)

For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. (Jeremiah 29.11, ESV)

But this I call to mind, and therefore I have hope: The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. “The LORD is my portion,” says my soul, “therefore I will hope in him.” (Lamentations 3.21 – 24, ESV)

Behold, my servant whom I have chosen, my beloved with whom my soul is well pleased. I will put my Spirit upon him, and he will proclaim justice to the Gentiles. He will not quarrel or cry aloud, nor will anyone hear his voice in the streets; a bruised reed he will not break, and a smoldering wick he will not quench, until he brings justice to victory; and in his name the Gentiles will hope. (Matthew 12.18 – 21, ESV)