(Photo: Lindy Twaddle)
OUR HOPE
Luke 2:28–32 (NRSVA)
28 Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying,
29 ‘Master, now you are dismissing your servant in peace,
according to your word;
30 for my eyes have seen your salvation,
31 which you have prepared in the presence of all peoples,
32 a light for revelation to the Gentiles
and for glory to your people Israel.’
Thought
What do you hope for this Advent? Simeon had been promised that he would not die until he had seen the Messiah and he lived in the hope of that promise being fulfilled. When he met the baby Jesus he knew immediately that he had not waited in vain.
In his prayer of thanksgiving, Simeon also prophesied that Jesus would not only minister to the Jews; he would be the hope of the Gentiles too. That gives hope and a promise to me and you. The child of Bethlehem, the Christ upon the cross, Jesus the Saviour of the world, our Redeemer.
Poem: Advent hope
Advent, a time of waiting in expectant anticipation
For the celebration of Messiah’s birth
For the visit of shepherds and wise men
For Angels singing peace on earth
Advent, a time of earnest preparation
For the return of the king
For the establishment of his kingdom
And the peace that it will bring
Advent, a time of trusting and hoping
For God’s promises to come true
For the love of God to fill the earth
Beginning with me and with you
Advent, a time which God has set aside
For each to watch and pray
To seek a deeper understanding
Of his purposes for us each day.
Prayer
Our hope is in the Lord.
Lord, help us to hold onto our Advent hope as we journey with you through these days, getting our hearts ready to welcome Jesus this Christmas.
Help us to listen for your word and be directed by your spirit so that when Jesus returns he will find us ready for him. May we truly be servants who act upon your word and live in hope of your coming to reign.
Come Lord Jesus!
Amen
Church of Scotland Advent Calendar
Journey daily with characters in the Nativity through video, reflection and prayer