Hope

December 3 was the beginning of the Advent Season. This is my favorite time of the year as we look back at the gift that was given in Jesus Christ and look forward to his glorious return. The next four weeks are a time to reflect on who Jesus is, his purpose for coming as a baby, and to anticipate his triumphant return as the Bridegroom King.

This week the word to reflect on is hope. So as I began my reflection for the week on the word hope I decided to see what good old Webster has to say. There were a few of the definitions that stood out to me.

1)The feeling that what is wanted can be had or that events will turn out well
2)A person or thing in which expectations are centered
3)To look forward to with desire and reasonable confidence
4)To believe, desire, or trust

These are all thought provoking definitions to me. To think of how many times a day I use the word hope but never really think about what it really means. What exactly am I placing my hope in? I can say I hope the kids listen. I hope that I get a good parking spot. I hope one day I will get married.

But all of these fall short of the ultimate hope. The hope that came into this world in the precious gift of Jesus is beyond definition. We now can look forward with confidence that Jesus will return and we will be in glory with him for eternity. All of my expectations for this life and the next are centered on Him and what he has done for us. To believe that Jesus loves me, to desire to love Him and be with him, and to trust that no matter what He knows best, that is what I call the ultimate hope.

"Find rest, O my soul, in God alone; my hope comes from him. He alone is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will not be shaken. My salvation and my honor depend on God; he is my mighty rock, my refuge. Trust in him at all times, O people; pour our your hearts to him for God is our refuge."
Psalm 62:5-8