Sunday, December 5, 2021

Advent devotions: Hope (12/5/2021)


Sunday December 5                            Hope                             Romans 8:18-25

I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory about to be revealed to us. For the creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the children of God; for the creation was subjected to futility, not of its own will but by the will of the one who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to decay and will obtain the freedom of the glory of the children of God. We know that the whole creation has been groaning in labor pains until now; and not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the first fruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly while we wait for adoption, the redemption of our bodies. For in hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what is seen? But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience.

****

The promise of our Savior has been fulfilled and yet we still wait with hope in our hearts. We hope for peace and justice and brotherhood and safety for ourselves, our loved ones and all of God's beloved.

Our gift of today is not guaranteed so we hope and pray.

Our future in this world is uncertain so we hope and pray.

Our final breath on this earth is certain so we hope and pray.

Hope is a gift and I wish it for all of my family - those of blood, spirit, church and the world.

Dear Lord, please grant us the gift of hope-for all of your gifts that we have yet to receive. Instill in us an openness and willingness to hold onto hope. Let this hope become our strength. I pray this for all of my family - those of blood, spirit, church and the world. Amen.

 

Lois Lawerence


No comments:

Post a Comment