Advent is About Hope

Advent is a gift to us when hope is in short supply.

Each year as the nights grow darker and colder, we receive the gift of a new Advent. We can see light shining in the darkness which the darkness cannot overcome. Advent reminds us that even the darkest night is followed by the hope of a new dawn.

When we are frustrated and tired, staggering with heavy burdens, Advent is about hope.

Advent is a liturgical season which teaches us lessons about patience and persistence. Advent shows us how to be open to receiving light in dark times. Advent inspires us to recognize and celebrate new life, even when we disappoint ourselves.

Advent is hope when we have been waiting for longer than we can remember. Advent is hope when we are not sure we believe in what we hope for any more. Advent is hope when we do not think we will meet our own goals for the year. Advent is hope when we are not sure we can continue hoping.

Advent shows us that, even in the darkness of the longest night, light still shines for us.

Advent reminds us that in our pain and struggle, darkness and cold, there is new birth.

This is the challenge of Advent in these last few days, this final weekend.

Advent is about hope when we feel beyond hope. It is the hope that comes when we stop trying to convince ourselves we are doing well. We take a deep breath, close our eyes, and remember our hope.

Advent reminds us that it is always darkest just before the dawn. Advent helps us remember our hope in the darkness before the dawn.

What inspires your hope this week?

Where do you find hope in this Advent?

[Image by DieselDemon]