“God is our HOPE and strength; a present help in trouble…” (Ps. 46:1)
A story was told of a young man who gave-in to stealing i.e. he was a rubber. One day he was caught in the act and was apprehended and given a severe beating. Meanwhile, an elderly man who was passing by pleaded for his release took him home, nursed him and counselled him against stealing. A few months later, in another place, this same young man was again caught stealing. He was again apprehended, given a more severe beating and was later handed over to the police; and eventually, he was charged to court.
Amazingly, the elderly man who pleaded the release of this young man the other time, was the judge on seat in charge of this young man’s case. However, as soon as this young man sighted this old man on seat in the court in charge of his case, he leapt in his heart for joy, thinking that the old man, who was his “saviour” the other time, will without any iota of doubt favour him in his judgment. But alas! After all said and done, the judge sentenced this young man to a few years imprisonment.
Today is Advent Sunday; and what exactly is Advent? Advent, from the Latin Words, is called Adventus; and it means coming or arrival. It is the beginning of a new Church liturgical year. Like Lent, Advent is also a preparatory season; preparation for the coming of the Son of God. This coming could, however, be viewed in three perspectives. The first coming of the Son of God to redeem the world. The second side of this Advent season is the recognition and acknowledgement of the presence of the Son of God with us now in the Holy Spirit, and the third phase of this coming is the second coming of the Son of God to judge the world.
Our theme for this week, however, is ADVENT HOPE; having established the fact that ADVENT means COMING, “ADVENT HOPE” can, therefore, mean COMING HOPE; and who is this HOPE that is coming? It is no other than our Lord and Saviour JESUS CHRIST.
Beloved, at this Advent season, let us not lose sight of the fact that in all things, at all times and in every place, Christ is our only HOPE; He is our strength, a very present help in trouble. He is the hope of our Salvation and the only hope of a transformed life. Transformation comes from the work of His hand, within our heart and not through our own strength. He is coming back again in humble adoration to take us home, away from this sinful world. What a joyous day will it be?
Advent involves spending time in spiritual preparation for the coming of Jesus Christ again into the world. Celebrating Advent typically involves a season of prayer, fasting and repentance, followed by anticipation, hope and joy. Remember, he who came into the world the first time as a mediator and an advocate for us with the Father is coming back again, not as an advocate, but as a judge.