Devotional Theme: The Advent Hope

Presented by the Superintendent Minister, Rev’d Dr Joan Delsol Meade
Video can be viewed on YouTube.
  1. Scripture Reading: Isaiah 9: 2 and 6
    2The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who lived in a land of deep darkness—on them light has shined.
    6For a child has been born for us, a son given to us; authority rests upon his shoulders; and he is named Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
  1. Reflection:
     Long before the birth of in Bethlehem’s manger of Mary’s baby boy, Jesus, the prophet Isaiah spoke of a light dawning in the darkness. “For a child has been born for us, a son is given to us.” This wasn’t just poetic hope, Isaiah writing out what he personally longed for. He was declaring a divine promise.Long was the wait, but in time, it happened. The late Jamaican hymnist Barry Chevannes wrote it in Jamaican (ina fi we time, God word settle down just like gentle dew upon de morning ground) It might have seemed like a forever wait, but in the fulness of time, God did send God’s Son, born of a woman- the one whom we know as Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.Indeed, God’s Promise was realised, and it is that great historical event in the  chain of God’s ongoing saving activity that we recall as we celebrate the Nativity- that first Advent of God as human among us.Advent reminds us that God’s word never fails. When life feels uncertain or uneasy, and the wait seems to be unbearably long, we can look back at the fulfilled promise of Christ’s birth and forward to the promises yet to come.
    Yet to come, that’s right. Because we have not only to celebrate Nativity, but we have God’s promise, which is tantamount to guarantee, of Christ’ return.He will come again, and the everlasting reign of righteousness, justice and peace will come to fruition. All things will indeed be well in our father’s house. The world will be filled with the glory of God. Yes, every knee shall bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord.If you have difficulty holding on to that big picture of complete harmony- if it’s sort of too big a bite to handle, – as with everything else, try seeing its bite sized portions.
    Look back to the promises that God has fulfilled in your life. Remember how you prayed and waited for something, maybe to step up to the next grade, maybe to earn that certificate, maybe to accomplish that goal, maybe to have that relationship restored, maybe to overcome that particular problem… Remember how it seemed so hard to attain- that something you prayed for- only to discover that God was pleased to deliver and maybe you the gift was more that you could have anticipated.Well, God can do it again, and again, and again.
    And with this infinite God whom we serve there is always more and better to come.
    So even as we wait for God’s big picture of Christ’s harmonious reign to come fully, for all the finishing touches to be in place, there are fulfilments to be realised along the way.My question for you is this. ‘What promises of God are you holding onto this Advent?’ Wait with anticipation as you trust the one who says I will do it. Stick with me, and I will never leave you until I have finished my purpose in you. Truist the Lord- the ultimate Promise Keeper.
  1. Prayer:
    Faithful God, thank you for being a promise-keeper. Ever so often, the world feels uncertain, and we are surrounded by the powerful who fail to keep the promises they have made. In our own personal relationships we have known disappointment and disloyalty, and sometimes it becomes difficult to remember that you are ever faithful to your promises. At such times, O God, remind us of your Word. Let the hope of your coming fill our hearts with peace. We trust in your timing and your goodness. Amen.