Advent: Candle of Hope

And in that day shall the deaf hear the words of the book,

And the eyes of the blind shall see out of obscurity

And out of darkness.  The meek shall increase their joy in the Lord,

And the poor among men shall rejoice in the Holy One of Israel.

Isaiah 29:18-19

Tomorrow is the first Sunday of Advent - a time of expectant waiting and preparation for both the celebration of the birth of Christ at Christmas and the return of Christ at the Second Coming

We light the first candle of Advent – the candle of HOPE.

Hope for H elp

Let us therefore come boldly before the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.  Hebrews 4:16

Hope for O pportunity

“For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."

Hope for P ower

He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.  1 John 4:4   "My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness."  2 Corinthians 12:9

Hope for E ternity

For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.  John 3:16

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My hope is built on nothing less

Than Jesus’ blood and righteousness.

I dare not trust the sweetest frame,

But wholly lean on Jesus’ name.

On Christ the solid Rock I stand,

All other ground is sinking sand –

All other ground is sinking sand.

The United Methodist Hymnal, No. 368