bible blog post Monday December 9th

The Hope In Advent   (Revelation 1:4-8)

This day of Advent brings us that much closer to the much awaited and anticipated celebration of Jesus Birth.  Advent means "coming" or "arrival".  We spend this month looking forward to the celebration of Christ's birth and what it meant, what it brought, and what it promises for the future.  How fitting that our New Testament reading today starts in the book of Revelation and speaks of Christ's first arrival and the freedom it brought and then sets our eyes to looks forward to his second arrival, a new season of Advent for us. (Rev 1:4-7)

As we enter in to day 9 of Advent let us be encouraged to look forward to the arrival, to the day when we will meet "the Alpha and Omega....who is, and who was, and who IS TO COME, the Almighty." (Rev. 1:8).  His coming again will bring the fulfillment of the freedom his first arrival brought us.  It offers hope for today where no other hope can be found.  Many are going through difficult and uncertain times.  Many are facing grief and loss.  Many are facing challenges and fears.  Don't loose hope!!!  Look forward!  Be reminded and encourage to live in a constant season of Advent where we seek the one who is and we look forward to the one who is coming to be our help, our hope, and our strength for the right now. 

Spend some time this Advent day in the hope of Christ, who he was and what he did, who he is for us today, and the promise of his return in the future to bring us back to where we belong.  Let the season of advent (both of Christmas and Christ's return) bring a joy and a song to your heart that can only come from him.

Verses that can be used to reflect on and to encourage you this Advent day:

Ephesians 3:12   "In him (Jesus Christ) and through faith in him we may approach God with freedom and confidence."

Isaiah 40:31 "those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint."

Psalm 23:4 "Even though I walk through the darkest valley,I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me."

Hebrews 10:24-25 "And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching."

Philipians 1:6 "Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus."