4. AN ADVENT AMONG OTHER THINGS: HOPE WITH PERSEVERANCE

Friday, December 6th

“No matter how tall the mountain is, it cannot hide the sun.” (Chinese proverb)

When the angel announced to Mary that she would give birth to Jesus (in the biblical story of Luke), Mary could not know what the future would hold for her and her son. But she took the first faithful step—she answered the call to be part of God’s plan of hope for the world. Mary didn’t know how all this was going to work out, but she put her hope in God, who would be her help and guide throughout her life-long journey.

“I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May your word to me be fulfilled.” (Luke 1:38 NIV)

Hope is more than passive waiting.

Hope is the obedient willingness to begin a journey without knowing where it will lead.
Hope is the timid courage to take the first step in faith.
Hope is the peaceful trust that we do not go alone.
Hope is the humble wisdom to check our location (are we on the right path?) and our direction (is our next step the better one?) as we continue onward.
Hope is the patient insight that we will need to rest, reflect, and recenter with our Guide at points along the way.

Our hope in Christ is not contingent on reaching desired destinations but in trusting the goodness of God. In our own calling to be part of God’s plan of hope for the world, life can be like an upward climb, with obstacles and challenges over difficult terrain. And yet, when we look to the top, the majestic vista beckons us on. We know the journey will be worth it, no matter how far we are able to climb, even if we cannot reach the summit. Because we know the Light will continue to shine; the Light that can never be fully hidden.

“In every winter’s heart there is a quivering spring, and behind the veil of each night there is a shining dawn.”
~ Khalil Gibran

(Photo by Karen)