Christ Our Hope

Scriptures: Romans 15:4,13 (ESV) – “For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.”  “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.”

Ephesians 2:11-13 (ESV) – “Therefore remember that at one time you Gentiles in the flesh, called ‘the uncircumcision’ by what is called the circumcision, which is made in the flesh by hands – remember that you were at that time separated from Christ, alienated from the commonwealth of Israel and strangers to the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world.  But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ.”

Message: At the time during our celebration of Advent that we light the Hope candle, I like to reflect on the many times in Scripture that tell us that Christ is our Hope.  The Bible uses terms like “blessed hope” and “God of hope” to encourage us in our daily walk.  In Ephesians 2:12 Paul reminds us that there was a time that we were without hope and without God while lost in the world.  This is why it is so encouraging to read in Romans 15: 4,13 “For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.”  “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in Hope.”  It is my hope that this Advent season will be a reminder that God is our Hope through Jesus Christ.

Prayer: God, I want to thank You for the hope that comes through knowing Your Son Jesus Christ.  I worship You and praise You for the abounding hope that I have been given by this great salvation.  Amen.

Dr Shane Ryle
Chaplain, Orlando Union Rescue Mission,
Orlando, Florida

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