Charles Stanley (November-27-2023) Daily Devotional: Advent: A Season of Hope
The hope we have in Christ is a sure and reliable anchor for our soul.
Today is the first Sunday of Advent, a time of expectant waiting to celebrate Christ’s birth and prepare for His second coming. The word comes from the Latin term adventus, which means “arrival” or “coming.”
Today we focus on hope, which is so much more than wishful thinking. Hope holds us firm and keeps us trusting and looking forward, no matter how dark the world seems to be. This season is a time to remember that God is both the light at the end of a long tunnel and our faithful companion who will never desert or abandon us (Hebrews 13:5).
The Jewish people expected and longed for the Messiah—the One who would put an end to suffering, establish an eternal kingdom, and “uphold it with justice and righteousness” (Isaiah 9:1-7). And that expected Savior came, fulfilling every prophecy ever written about Him. Because those assurances were proven true, we have hope. We can trust in Jesus’ promise to come again in glory—and knowing that where He is, we will one day be also (John 14:1-6).
Think about it - Read Luke 1:26-38. What word or phrase in this story stands out for you the most? What about it gives you hope?