Clinging to Hope: An Advent StudyShembull

HOPE FOR THE SEASON We’ve all turned on a Christmas movie and watched the opening scenes with a big city all decked out in lights glistening in the freshly fallen snow, with the hustle and bustle of people and cars and noise. Everyone and everything is moving at a frenzied pace. It might look pretty and idyllic, but as the movie moves along, you find out everyone is miserably unhappy and desiring more out of life. The holiday season has a way of bringing up a lot of feelings, memories, and emotions. It also has its own version of a rat race that can feel impossible to keep up with. Anticipation hangs heavy in the air – if you’ve ever been around kids, you know this means they are absolutely bursting with excitement. They’re hopeful for what’s to come. Anticipation and hope are part of the Christmas story. The people of God waited with hopeful anticipation every day for the promised Messiah. Over the next few days, we’ll look at the story of Zechariah and Elizabeth in Luke 1 as a lesson of biblical hope. Biblical hope is the confident expectation that God will fulfill his promises. You can live a different life NOW because of what you know will happen in the future. Ask Yourself: -Do I feel hopeful during this advent season? If the answer is no, what is keeping me from feeling hopeful? If yes, what is bringing me hope this season? -What stands out the most about Zechariah’s and Elizabeth’s story from the passages in Luke? Pause to Pray: Jesus, open my eyes and ears to what you want me to hear and see this week. Help me to see you as the only beacon of hope in this holiday season. Turn my worry/concern/fear/obsession/intrusive thought/etc. into hope for healing/peace/restoration/joy that’s only found in you. Take a Next Step: Take a moment to reflect on the current state of being in your advent season. Where are you lacking hope? Do something TODAY to actively put your hope in Jesus!