Advent is the season of hope. Hope may be seen as the product of faith and love. We joyfully expect the fulfillment of the Lord's promises because by faith we have "confident assurance concerning what we hope for" (Heb 11:1).
In God's plan, we are certain to receive the Lord's promises for which we hope. Yet this assurance does not make us hopeful unless we not only believe in the promises, but love the Promiser, Jesus. Then we will have hope, and "this hope will not leave us disappointed" (Rm 5:5). In fact, "they that hope in the Lord will renew their strength, they will soar as with eagles' wings; they will run and not grow weary, walk and not grow faint" (Is 40:31).
Not only is hope a product of faith and love, but hope itself produces renewed strength. "None who hope in Him shall fail in strength" (1 Mc 2:61). For example, engaged couples seem to have much more energy than married couples. They live in a time of hope which renews their strength. Also, if we have hope of heaven, our old age will be vigorous. We'll be sprinting for the finish line as we finish the race of the Christian life (2 Tm 4:6-7). Likewise, if we are living this Advent season of hope in Jesus' Christmas coming, we will not be drained by the Christmas activities, but refreshed and rested (Mt 11:28-30).
"They that hope in the Lord will renew their strength" (Is 40:31).
| PRAYER: | Father, this Advent give me supernatural strength through the supernatural virtue of hope in Christ's coming this Christmas. |
| PROMISE: | "Come to Me, all you who are weary and find life burdensome, and I will refresh you." –Mt 11:28 |
| PRAISE: | St. Lucy constantly hoped in the Lord and she was not disappointed (Rm 5:5) as she survived several malicious attacks. |
Reprinted with permission from Presentation Ministries, a lay association of the Catholic Church that focuses on evangelization and discipleship through Bible teaching, daily Mass, the charisms of the Holy Spirit, and Small Christian Community. Their ministries include:
· One Bread, One Body
· Daily Bread Radio Program
· Annual Bible Institute
· Discipleship Retreats
· Guadalupe Bible College