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Read Psalm 33:20-22
We wait in hope for the Lord; he is our help and our shield. In him our hearts rejoice, for we trust in his holy name. May your unfailing love be with us, Lord, even as we put our hope in you.
The first Sunday of the Advent season symbolizes HOPE.
The Christmas season is an unbelievable time to step back, reflect and ponder the amazing gift of Jesus Christ given to us by God the Father. The coming of Christ was not only the fulfillment of years of prophecy and promise for the World since the beginning of time (see Genesis 3:14-19), but a symbol of HOPE for all those that would believe that He is Christ the Lord.
It is very easy to lose sight of the true and everlasting HOPE found in Christ during this busy season of Christmas. For those in hockey, we often lose our way and try to find HOPE in many different things. We hope for a new stick or skates which will completely change our game. We hope for new linemates which pass us the puck. We hope for the start of the NHL season which will make life more enjoyable. The problem with placing our hope in anything but the eternal work of Christ is the fact that anything else will eventually fail us.
- Our sticks will break or become dated
- Our skates will fall apart
- The NHL may or may not ever take place again. And even if it does....our team may not be any good!
- Our linemates will come and go
- Our bodies will eventually wear out and we won't be able to play
We could keep on going, but you get the point. This Christmas season let's remember where our True HOPE lies.....the birth, death, and ascension of Jesus Christ. The coming of Christ marks the arrival of true HOPE found in nothing else.
As you go through the rest of the week, take some time to consider where you place your HOPE. Spend some time praying for friends, family members, or teammates that don't have a HOPE in Jesus Christ.
