I'm thankful for the Pentecostal tradition I'm part of and the heritage it developed in my life. I also give thanks for the deep history and wide expressions of the Body of Christ. When we lived in Pakistan, we initially attended the Church of Pakistan. A high Church form of liturgical worship. We had wonderful pastors and a global gathering of believers to worship alongside. Our first Christmas in Pakistan brought Advent into our lives. Christmas deepened into my soul beyond an Eve and a Day. The first Sunday of Advent in Pakistan conceived within me a deep contemplation and meditation focused on the incarnation of God through the Person and work of Jesus Christ. My dear Muslim friends said, "It could not happen," I lovingly told them, "How could it not happen? Nothing is impossible for God if He is truly God." The soil of Pakistan only affirmed and confirmed that Emmanuel, God, is with us, beyond a mere belief, but a historical fact. This year, the first Sunday of Advent is December 1. The focus is hope. The incarnation of God is the beginning of hope. Some thought for the first Sunday of Advent: Hope.
Advent Reflection: The First Sunday of Advent – Hope
Scripture Reading:
"The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness, a light has dawned." — Isaiah 9:2
As we light the first candle of Advent, the candle of Hope, we are reminded that hope is not a fleeting wish or a vague optimism. Hope is a deep trust that God's promises will be fulfilled. It is anchored in His character, His faithfulness, and His Word.
Advent begins in darkness—waiting, longing, yearning for the light of Christ to break through. The ancient Israelites lived under the shadow of oppression and exile, longing for the promised Messiah. Into their darkness, Isaiah declared a stunning truth: light would dawn, and a Savior would come. This wasn't just hope for a better future; it was hope in God's future, where His kingdom would come and His will would be done.
This season of Advent reminds us that we live in a world still marked by brokenness, uncertainty, and sorrow. Like the Israelites, we long for the fulfillment of God's promises. Yet, as followers of Christ, we do not wait in despair. Jesus, the Light of the World, has already come. His birth, life, death, and resurrection are the foundation of our hope—a hope that sustains us in the waiting and points us to His glorious return.
This hope is not passive; it is active. It calls us to trust God in life's uncertainties, persevere in prayer, and serve others with Christ's love. Hope looks beyond what is seen to what is eternal.
As we light the candle of Hope today, let us remember:
 • Hope shines brightest in the darkness.
 • Hope is grounded in God's promises.
 • Hope gives us strength to endure and serve as we await Christ's return.
Let us carry this hope in our hearts and share it with a world desperately in need of the light of Christ.
Prayer:
Gracious Father, we thank You for the gift of hope found in Your Son, Jesus Christ. As we begin this Advent season, help us to fix our eyes on You and trust in Your promises. May Your light shine in our hearts and lives, bringing hope to the world around us. In Jesus' name, Amen.
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