LOOKING FORWARD WITH HOPE
Isaiah 40:1–5; 9–11
Christmas is coming! The stores reflect the colors of red, green and silver. The radio plays holiday music, and the advertisements convey images of snow, family gatherings and a warm sense of good cheer.
With Thanksgiving in the rearview mirror, you may be eager to rush headlong into Dec. 25, but I would advise us all to take these next few weeks to slow down during a holiday season that is often busy.
If your church is like the one I serve, Advent is an important time of year. Advent has the themes of hope, peace, joy and love. Advent stirs us to focus on the anticipation of Christ’s return. Although we are separated by years, miles and culture from those in the days of Jesus, we wait for His arrival.
The Church is a collection of hopeful people. By faith, we know our hope is not in vain. Our hope is filled with expectancy. The hope we possess is only made possible with God. When your hope is anchored in the promises of God, you can be assured you will not be disappointed.
We can have a sure hope of comfort and forgiveness. (1–2)
The greatest hope we can possibly have is the assurance that our sins have been forgiven. Our only lasting hope is to know that through Jesus’s atonement, we are released from the penalty and punishment of our iniquities.
I can’t think of a more hopeful comfort than that I have been spared from hell because of the love and grace of Jesus. Good works can only do so much. Only Jesus can fully pardon us and pay our debt in full.
We can have a sure hope that we will see the glory of God. (3–5)
When was the last time you attended a worship service and anticipated the glory of God? That may sound like a huge undertaking, but we worship a huge God! The Father calls for us to prepare for and celebrate the coming of the Lord. I
recall a pastor placing an empty chair at the front of the worship center to remind the church that Jesus was always present with us.
Apart from Jesus, there was no more extraordinary man in history than John the Baptist. He spent his life preparing the people’s hearts to recognize, receive and worship Jesus. John the Baptist should be an example for all of us to follow. One day we will see the glory of God for all eternity. Are you prepared?
We can have a sure hope of good news and care. (9–11)
God’s ways are always perfect. His loving-kindness and patience go hand in hand with His mercy. One day, everything we currently see with our physical eyes will come to an end. God will establish His Kingdom reign, and we will enjoy Him and His presence forever. Are you struggling with hope? Is the condition of our world causing you to be discouraged or anxious? Don’t lose hope!
Our faith and assurance is not in the ways or people of this world anyway. Our days may seem dark but the light is coming. Each day that passes means we are one day closer to seeing Jesus. In Him, there is no darkness or despair. In Him, our hopes are realized. If you have Jesus, you have hope. Share Him with someone today!
EDITOR’S NOTE — The Sunday School lesson outlines are provided by Lifeway.
By Bobby McKay
Pastor of New Liberty Baptist Church in Morton, Mississippi
