Hope. The first candle of advent represents hope. It points us to the birth of Jesus and his promised return. He was the longing of Israel, their Messiah. He lived as a man and died for our sins, for our redemption. He promised to come again. There are many verses in the Old Testament referencing Jesus’s first advent. There are even more concerning his second advent, his return. So, we light this royal purple candle with hope in his second coming.  

Hope is not to be confused with faith. It seems many try to use the words interchangeably. While they are closely related, they are not the same. Faith is present. Hebrews 11:1 defines faith this way: 

Now faith is the certainty of things hoped for, a proof of things not seen. 

Faith is the here and now belief of the future. The future is the area of hope. Hope is not wishful thinking. “I hope it doesn’t rain this weekend.” “I hope we have a white Christmas.” Hope is the certainty that what we have put our faith in will come to pass. The writer of Hebrews expresses it this way, 

Let’s hold firmly to the confession of our hope without wavering,  

for He who promised is faithful; 

Hebrews 10:23 

We can proclaim our hope in the promises of Christ and the Bible because we have faith that what he says is true. He does not lie. When he promises salvation to those who call on his name, we can take him at his word and hope in his salvation. Our faith presently is in Him. Our hope is in Him that when we pass from this life, he will take us to be with him.  

So, as the first candle is lit this week, what are you hoping for? What are you expecting? Is your faith in the One who makes your hope certain? Are you treating hope as wishful thinking? Take time this advent season to refocus on the One who makes our hope secure. He came once and promised to come again. Light a candle and hope.  

All for One  

Angela